This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
Published on July 29, 2019, by Tee Ngugi, a Nairobi-based political commentator, the article discusses Ekuru Aukot's Punguza Mizigo Bill, which aims to change the Constitution of Kenya through a referendum.
The bill proposes several significant changes, including increasing county revenue allocation to 35% of the national budget, reducing the number of parliamentarians, and introducing a one seven-year term for the president.
While the bill's proposals have some desirable elements, such as reducing the number of parliamentarians and increasing county revenue allocation, the article raises concerns about the bill's effectiveness and democratic process.
The article argues that the bill's proposals, such as making wards the primary units of administration and development, may not necessarily lead to increased efficiency and accountability.
Furthermore, the article suggests that the bill's proposals may contradict their aims, such as the proposal to hold an election in case the governor's seat falls vacant, which may not be the most cost-effective solution.
The article concludes that any proposal to change the Constitution must follow a democratic process, similar to the one used to create the 2010 Constitution, which involved a national convention with representation from all regions, sectors, and political parties.
The article emphasizes the importance of a democratic process in amending the Constitution, arguing that avoiding a national convention or delegates' conference would reduce the process to a partisan game.
