Senate Rejects Nandi Senator Cherargei’s Proposal to Extend Presidential Term Limit

Written By Lisa Murimi

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei’s bid to extend Kenya’s presidential term limit to seven years faced a major setback as the Senate’s Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights Committee recommended against passing the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

In its report, the committee advised the Senate to dismiss the bill, which proposed extending terms for the president, governors, MPs, and county assemblies from five to seven years. 

“The Standing Committee… recommends that the Senate does not pass the [Bill],” the report read.

The proposed amendment has sparked significant debate across Kenya. 

Senator Cherargei claims that public sentiment favors the bill, citing 500,000 email responses and a high volume of messages in support. 

However, prominent government figures, including Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale and Wycliffe Oparanya, have strongly opposed the proposal. 

Duale dismissed it as unnecessary, while Oparanya stated it would not benefit Kenyans.

The committee further recommended a procedural review for handling constitutional amendments in the Senate, suggesting that such proposals should gain the support of at least 15 senators unless backed by a major party.