This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
Published on October 23, 2019, the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) team has made significant proposals that could change the political terrain and address the problems facing the country.
The team, led by joint secretaries Martin Kimani and Paul Mwangi, has proposed changes in law, either through Acts of Parliament or total constitutional review, to address issues raised by Kenyans.
According to a member of the task force, some specific measures have been proposed to address various issues from across the country, with some being short-term and others long-term.
“Some of the resolutions are short-term while others are long-term. Some could be immediately addressed. It is only the issue of inclusivity from the nine-point mandate of the task-force that could require a referendum. Only one clause of the report could propose a referendum,” the source said.
The report has specific ‘remedies’ for issues raised in various counties that could make it widely supported by people from across the political divide as President Kenyatta seeks to cement his legacy and leave a united, stable country once his term ends in 2022.
Although the task force term ended on Wednesday, the BBI secretariat, which had been allocated Sh10 billion, is to continue with its work awaiting implementation of the report.
The widely anticipated report is also likely to shape President Kenyatta’s succession, especially if it proposes the expansion of the Cabinet to create the position of Prime Minister.
Political observers believe President Kenyatta was keen on ensuring the BBI report, born out of his handshake with Mr Odinga, succeeds to continue enjoying support of most of opposition MPs in Parliament following divisions in Jubilee Party.
Wednesday, a section of lawmakers allied to Deputy President William Ruto warned that they would reject the BBI report if it proposes expansion of the Cabinet.
