Strip the President discretionary powers to appoint key officials

President William Ruto signs a Bill into law at State House, Nairobi. [PCS]

The 2010 Constitution heralded a new era of governance rooted in transparency, accountability and the independence of key institutions. Yet, a persistent flaw undermines these principles: the President’s role in appointing officials to independent offices and commissions, as well as conferring prestigious honours like Senior Counsel.

It starts with prerogative then it becomes unilateral. This practice, though often ceremonial, creates perceptions of political bias and erodes public trust in institutions meant to serve as impartial guardians of democracy. It is time to strip the President of these powers, vesting them instead in independent bodies to ensure true autonomy and accountability. Under the Constitution, independent offices and commissions are tasked with protecting Kenya’s sovereignty, democratic values, and human rights.