Senator Thang'wa proposes 4-year term limit for leaders

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa has proposed reduction of term limits for elected leaders to four years.

The senator argues that the four-year term limit will help to enhance accountability and political participation.

Speaking on Wednesday, the legislator said that the proposal gives new leadership opportunities and provides prevention of power consolidation and adaptability in governance.

His proposal comes amid a fresh push to increase the current five-year term limit across all elective seats to seven years.

The increase has been proposed via the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.

 “After opposing the seven-year term, I’m proposing a different amendment. I'm proposing a four-year term limit," Thang'wa said while addressing a press conference in Nairobi.

"Therefore, I'm moving an amendment that proposes a four-year term limit for presidents, governors, senators, MPs and MCAs,” he added.

According to the legislator, the four–year term limit will strengthen Kenya's democratic norms.

Senator Thang'wa further said that four years in office will provide a space for Kenyans to frequently hold their leaders to account.

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

He said those shorter terms will further invigorate public interest in politics and Kenyans will also know they can influence leadership and decisions every four years.

The lawmaker said Kenyans are more likely to engage in the electoral process compared to a seven-year term limit proposed by Cherargei.

“In seven years, they [Kenyans] will give up and give a chance to bad governance.”

Senate has invited public views on Cherargei's Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to extend terms for the elected leaders from 5 to 7 years.

The Bill seeks to amend Article 151 by inserting 151A which proposes to create the office of the Prime Minister who shall be appointed by the President from amongst the members of Parliament. 

"The Prime Minister shall be the leader of the largest party or coalition of parties in Parliament,” reads part of the Bill.

If successful, the new law will also apply to other elected officials such as governors and other elected leaders.