This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
On September 19, 2019, the Council of Governors announced the launch of the Ugatuzi Initiative, a referendum drive aimed at expanding the executive and reintroducing the Prime Minister position.
The proposed national executive would comprise the President as Head of State, Deputy President, Prime Minister as Head of Government, and two Deputy Prime Ministers.
According to the initiative, the appointment of Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Principal Secretaries must meet the two-thirds gender rule and representation of special interest groups.
The Cabinet would consist of not more than 18 Ministers and 22 Deputies from among Members of Parliament.
Key proposals of the Ugatuzi Initiative include ensuring counties receive more resources, giving counties more financial autonomy, and reintroducing the post of Prime Minister in the executive.
The initiative also advocates for the establishment of the office of the Deputy Speaker of the County Assembly in the Constitution and the consideration of all bills, including money bills, by the Senate.
Additionally, the initiative provides for the filling of a vacancy in the Office of Deputy Governor by the Governor with the approval of the County Assembly and outlines grounds and procedure for the removal of a Deputy Governor.
