Governor Sang and MP Kitur propose constitutional amendment

Kenya kwanza brigade led by ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi, National assembly speaker Justin Muturi and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang during a prayer day in Nandi County. [File, Standard]

A section of Kenya Kwanza leaders in Nandi have called for an amendment to the 2010 constitution to address governance problems bedevilling the country.

The leaders said it was time to audit the supreme law and come up with solutions to fix the country's governance, economy and leadership challenges.

Nandi Hills MP Bernard Kitur and Governor Stephen Sang said that amendment of the constitution is long overdue and there is urgency to overhaul the document ahead of the 2027 election.

READ ALSO: Kenya Kwanza leaders slam Uhuru for hitting out at Ruto

"It's about 15 years since we got a new constitution that conceived devolution, but there is a need to address more silent or missing clauses to give better constitutional guidance," said Kitur.

MP Kitur cited the debate on the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) as one of the issues that should be addressed through constitutional changes.

He said the debate on NG-CD was due to a lack of clarity in the constitution, adding that the abolishment of the kitty will jeopardise the implementation of projects in the communities.

He said the NG-CDF is indispensable, and it has impacted electorates for over 20 years since it was started, and therefore, it should be constituted to work in parallel with devolved functions.

"The third gender rule has not succeeded through legislatures, and it should be subjected to a referendum for Kenyans to make their decision in the ballot. This will help to address equality and fair representation in the political elective positions for special groups," he said.

In the fight against corruption, Chapter six of the constitution has fallen short of promoting the integrity of public officers, and MP Kitur said that much is needed to be done to empower anti-graft bodies to enhance accountability and protection of public coffers.

Governor Sang concurred with MP Kitur for the referendum question to be included in the 2027 election for Kenyans to vote alongside the constitutional to save time and minimise the cost of elections.

"We cannot continue with the document that is not providing clear guidance for this long; the right time is now to make corrections or constitute unexplored aspects. And I vehemently support that we go for a referendum," he stated.

[e-mail]