Kenyans Invited to Give Views on Bill Seeking to Bar Ex-Governors from Elections for 5 Years After Serving

The Senate has invited members of the public to submit their views on a proposed law that seeks to bar former county governors from vying for elective positions for five years after leaving office.

In a notice dated Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the Senate, through Clerk J.M. Nyegenye, urged Kenyans to present their views on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

“The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026 [Senate Bills No. 7 of 2026] was read a First Time in the Senate on Thursday, March 26, 2026, and thereafter committed to the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights for consideration,” read part of the notice.

The notice stated that the committee is required, under Standing Order 145(5), to facilitate public participation and take into account the views and recommendations of the public when preparing its report to the Senate.

How to Submit Views to the Senate

Kenyans have been asked to submit their memoranda in writing to the Clerk of the Senate. Submissions can be sent via post, hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, or emailed to clerk.senate@parliament.go.ke and copied to senatejlahc@parliament.go.ke.

All submissions must be received on or before Friday, May 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The Senate also indicated that a public hearing on the Bill will be held, with the date and venue to be communicated later.

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What the Bill Proposes

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Murang’a Senator James Kamau Murango, seeks to introduce a mandatory five-year waiting period before former governors can contest for other elective seats.

If passed, the law will bar former governors from vying for positions in the Senate, National Assembly, or county assemblies immediately after leaving office.

The Bill proposes amendments to Articles 99(2) and 193(2) of the Constitution, as well as Sections 24(2) and 25(2) of the Elections Act, to align nomination requirements with the proposed restriction.

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Reason Behind the Proposal

According to the Bill, the restriction is intended to enhance accountability and prevent conflicts of interest.

Currently, governors are required to account to the Senate and county assemblies for their financial and administrative decisions, including audit reports from the Office of the Auditor General.

The proposed law argues that allowing former governors to join these oversight bodies immediately could lead to them evaluating their own past administrations.

The five-year waiting period gives time to complete accountability checks and allows voters to assess a former governor’s performance before they run again.

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Photo of a past Senate Session. PHOTO/Senate.