Members of the County Assemblies (MCAs) across the country are pushing to have the General Election date moved from August to March 2018, citing the need for a full five-year term as provided for in the Constitution.
The over 2000 MCAs attending a conference in Mombasa urged senators to engage with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and other stakeholders to find a constitutional way to adjust the election date.
According to County Assembly Forum (CAF) chairman Nuh Nassir, they have requested a dialogue with IEBC on the matter, emphasizing that the offices of the current MCAs will only become vacant in March 2018.
Nassir stated, "IEBC must know, whoever is elected comes to office in March, 2018. The Constitution has granted a five-year term limit for MCAs, those offices become vacant in March, 2018."
Context and Response ¶
This development comes as Members of the National Assembly consider moving the polls from August to December 2017, with Ugenya MP David Ochieng’s Bill proposing such a change. However, this proposal faces hurdles, including the requirement for a referendum to extend the President’s term.
Meanwhile, governors were criticized at the conference for the alleged misuse of county funds, with speakers calling for accountability and proper management of devolved resources.
Senate Leader of Majority Kindiki Kithure cautioned governors against devolving corruption to the counties, stating, "There is looting of public money in our devolved units. Corruption is common place, it has permeated both levels of government, national and county."
Consequences and Next Steps ¶
MCAs have warned they may take legal action to challenge the IEBC’s August 2017 date if their concerns are not addressed. The situation highlights ongoing debates about term limits, electoral processes, and governance within Kenya’s devolved system.
The recovered account cited reporting by Mediamax.
