Parliament urged to limit tenures of MPs, MCAs to two 5-year terms

Parliament has been petitioned to enact a law limiting Senators, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to a maximum of two terms of five years each, similar to the presidency.

The proposal comes from the Grassroot Civilian Oversight Initiative, a civil rights group based in Nakuru, which seeks to establish fairness in Kenya’s political landscape.

The initiative argues that term limits would allow voters to experience a variety of leadership styles and ideas, fostering a diverse political environment.

In their petition to the National Assembly, the group is advocating for a law that would restrict elected representatives at both county and national levels to a total of 10 years in office, aligning their tenure with that of the President, governors, and their deputies.

The coordinator of the initiative Laban Omusundi, emphasised that the proposed limits would enhance fairness among political leaders and enable fresh talent to emerge.

"The two-term serving factor of the president and the governors should trickle down to the other elected political leaders to inform fairness to all cadres of political seats and to harvest different gifts and talents in other emerging leaders in that course," Omusundi said.

He referenced Article 37 and Article 119 of the Constitution to support the initiative, arguing that the rationale behind capping the terms for the presidency and governorship should extend to all elected positions.

"It is unfair to have one group of leaders serve for two terms, while others are allowed to serve for life." He pointed out that while efforts are being made to improve governance in Kenya, existing laws create opportunities for some leaders to claim their positions as their “birth rights," he said.

Extension of term limits

The petition arrives amid discussions on a controversial proposal by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who seeks to extend presidential and other elected officials' terms from five to seven years.

The proposal has however faced significant backlash from several leaders and Kenyans at large.

The Senate Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights condemned the proposal and advised against passing it.

The committee noted that public feedback was overwhelmingly negative regarding the proposed extension of terms and the introduction of a Prime Minister position.

In its report, chaired by Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, the committee called for a robust vetting process for constitutional amendments before they are presented for public discussion.

They noted that the proposed changes should not proceed in their current form, reflecting the strong sentiments of stakeholders and the public against extending terms for elected leaders.

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa also called for a reduction of term limits for all elected officials to four years noting that shorter terms would enhance accountability and encourage political participation.

"Voters deserve the right to evaluate their representatives and make necessary changes based on their governance. It will also encourage mental political participation,” he said.

He argued that a four-year term limit would invigorate public interest in politics, allowing Kenyans to influence leadership and decisions more frequently.

"Those shorter terms will further invigorate public interest in politics and Kenyans will also know they can influence leadership and decisions every four years," he added.