Senate denies plans to extend presidential term limit, create office of Prime Minister
The Bill focuses on addressing procedural gaps in Parliament to enhance support for county governments, rather than altering term limits or executive structures.
The Kenyan Senate has moved to clear the air over circulating online claims that the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to extend the terms of the president and other elected officials from five to seven years.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Senate warned the public against falling for fake news, emphasising that the claims are false.
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"This information is incorrect. A review of the official Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, shows that the claims being made are false," the statement read.
The legislative house explained that the Bill’s true purpose is to strengthen the Senate’s role in the budget process and law-making, ensuring better protection of devolution.
The document further clarified that the executive structure remains unchanged and that there are no plans to create the Office of the Prime Minister.
"The Bill makes no mention of creating the Office of a Prime Minister or any other new position within the executive branch. The proposed amendments do not alter the existing structure of the national executive," the Senate stated.
According to the Senate, the Bill focuses on addressing procedural gaps in Parliament to enhance support for county governments, rather than altering term limits or executive structures.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, published in July 2025, proposes giving the Senate powers to initiate legislation, vet constitutional office holders, approve national budgets, and challenge decisions passed by the National Assembly.
It also seeks to provide Senators with a role in the removal of top public officials and establish a County Assembly Fund to enhance financial autonomy for county legislatures.
“The principal object of the Bill is to strengthen and secure devolution. The draft Bill seeks to provide a framework to achieve this purpose by reviewing the mandate of the Senate and the National Assembly,” the document notes.
Additionally, the Bill outlines the creation of a formal leadership structure within the Senate, including a Speaker, a Majority Leader, and a Minority Leader, reflecting arrangements in other bicameral systems worldwide.
If enacted, the changes would empower the Senate, elevating it to a status on par with the National Assembly, similar to the US Senate model.
Currently, the Kenyan Senate has a limited role and is often seen as an underutilised institution with minimal impact on national policymaking.
The Bill is a joint initiative by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, with legal oversight from Justice and Legal Affairs Committee chair Hillary Sigei, assisted by senior counsels Okongo Omogeni and Tom Ojienda.
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