This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On March 9, 2018, President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga shook hands, marking the beginning of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). The task force, led by Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji, has been gathering views on nine key issues affecting Kenya.
According to the team, they plan to conclude their hearings in Nairobi on the first week of August before retreating to write a report. The report will be handed over to President Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for further action.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi yesterday, Haji emphasized the team's commitment to capturing the views of all Kenyans. 'The team is burning the midnight oil to conclude its work as per schedule and hand the report to the President and former PM for further action,' he said.
The team has received various proposals, including expanding the executive structure, reducing the number of MPs and Senators, and introducing a powerful Prime Minister. However, they clarified that they will only consider views presented to them orally or through memoranda, and not statements made at funerals or other public functions.
Adams Oloo, vice chairman of the BBI, added that the decision to hold a referendum lies with the people of Kenya. 'It is not for BBI to decide whether there is a referendum or not. That decision lies with the people of Kenya,' he said.
The team is set to visit the remaining seven counties to collect views from Kenyans. These counties include Taita Taveta, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, and Bungoma.
