Moses Kuria Wants Kenya to Introduce Prime Minister and Two Deputy Prime Ministers

Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has proposed major constitutional changes that would introduce the positions of Prime Minister and two Deputy Prime Ministers in Kenya.

According to Kuria, the current political system is becoming difficult to manage, and both the government and the opposition are facing increasing political pressure.

Kuria Says Both Sides Will Support the Proposal

Kuria believes that although politicians may first criticize the proposal, many will eventually support it once it reaches Parliament.

He said some leaders may dismiss it as a way of creating more government positions, but later realize it could help bring political stability and reduce tensions after elections.

Proposal Based on NADCO Recommendations

The proposal is similar to recommendations made by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), which was formed after talks between the Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition.

One of the committee’s ideas was to expand the Executive to make government more inclusive and allow more political leaders to take part in national leadership.

Kuria predicts that if the Bill is introduced in Parliament, it could receive support from both the government and opposition.

Kuria Says the Move Would Support Earlier BBI Ideas

Kuria also said creating the new positions would revive ideas that were previously proposed under the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

The BBI, which was backed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, also sought to introduce the office of Prime Minister and expand the country’s leadership structure.

Although the BBI process was stopped by the courts, Kuria believes similar proposals could now return through constitutional amendments.

How the New Executive Could Work

Under Kuria’s proposal:

• Kenya would have a President and Deputy President.
• A Prime Minister would be introduced.
• Two Deputy Prime Ministers would also be appointed.
• One Deputy Prime Minister would come from the National Assembly, while the other would come from the Senate.
• Cabinet Secretaries would report through the Deputy Prime Ministers before matters reach the Prime Minister, Deputy President and finally the President.

Constitutional Changes Would Be Required

Since the 2010 Constitution only provides for the offices of President and Deputy President, introducing a Prime Minister and two Deputy Prime Ministers would require constitutional amendments.

Depending on the changes proposed, Kenyans could also be required to vote in a referendum before the new system is adopted.

This proposal has not yet been tabled in Parliament but is expected to spark debate on the future structure of Kenya’s Executive.

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