This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Kenya is on the verge of another constitutional referendum, a prospect that seems both inevitable and daunting. The country's parlous economic state can barely afford another referendum, but it will happen nonetheless.
The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a brainchild of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, is the most prominent proposal on the table. The BBI aims to change the government structure from a presidential to a parliamentary system, a move that has sparked intense debate among politicians and citizens alike.
Dr. Ekuru Aukot's Punguza Mizigo Initiative, another proposal, has gained some traction, but faces significant opposition from politicians and governors. The initiative, which seeks to reduce representation in Parliament and give ward representatives control over county funds, has been met with skepticism by many.
The BBI task force has yet to release its report, leaving many in the dark about the initiative's details. However, judging from the endorsements and opposition it has received, the battle ahead will be bruising.
President Kenyatta and Mr. Odinga are backing the BBI, while Deputy President William Ruto and his supporters are opposed to it. The referendum is likely to be a contentious issue, with many Kenyans struggling to understand the implications of the proposed changes.
As the country prepares for another referendum, many are left wondering whether these initiatives will bring about the desired change. Will the proposed changes address the country's deep-seated problems, or will they merely add to the complexity of the system?
