Migori MCA proposes extending presidential term limits

A proposal to review Kenya’s constitutional provision on presidential term limits has sparked fresh debate after a Migori County MCA called for the two-term cap to be extended. The MCA, George Omamba, argues that the current administration under President William Ruto deserves more time in office to complete ongoing development projects across the country.

The remarks were made public on 13th July 2026 and have since drawn wide reactions online and within political circles. Omamba, an elected representative in Migori County, linked his proposal directly to what he described as "significant development" delivered by the Kenya Kwanza government since taking office.

According to the MCA, the two-term limit provided for in the 2010 Constitution should be reconsidered to allow a sitting president to serve beyond the current maximum of 10 years.

Omamba’s central argument is anchored on continuity. He contends that major national projects require more than two terms to be fully realized, and that changing leadership midstream often leads to abandoned or delayed programs.

“President Ruto has delivered significant development in a short time. To ensure these projects are completed and new ones initiated, we need to look at extending the presidential term limits beyond two terms,” Omamba stated.

He pointed to infrastructure projects, agricultural reforms, housing programs, and digital government initiatives as examples of work that, in his view, need sustained leadership to bear full results. The MCA suggested that the extension would not be about an individual, but about giving the country stability to achieve long-term goals.

The proposal, however, does not outline a specific number of additional years or terms. It instead calls for a national conversation on whether the current constitutional limit still serves Kenya’s development needs.

Kenya’s Constitution, promulgated in 2010, limits a president to a maximum of two five-year terms. Article 142(2) states: “A person shall not hold office as President for more than two terms.”

The clause was introduced to prevent the concentration of power and to promote democratic rotation of leadership — a key demand during the constitutional review process. Since independence, Kenya has seen several attempts to alter term limits, most of which have been rejected by the public and Parliament due to concerns about abuse of power.

Any attempt to change the term limit would require a constitutional amendment. That process involves either a parliamentary initiative supported by at least two-thirds of MPs in both Houses, or a popular initiative through a referendum. Given the sensitivity of the issue, such a move would likely trigger extensive public debate and legal scrutiny.

Supporters of the idea argue that development requires consistency and that frequent changes in leadership disrupt policy implementation. They cite examples of multi-year projects in roads, energy, and housing that take time to plan, fund, and complete.

Critics, however, warn that extending term limits could undermine democratic gains and open the door to authoritarianism. Civil society groups and constitutional experts have in the past cautioned that term limits are a safeguard against incumbency advantage and the misuse of state resources to stay in power.

“Term limits are not about one person. They are about protecting democracy,” one commenter wrote in response to the proposal. Others questioned whether development alone should be the basis for altering the Constitution, arguing that accountability and rotation of leadership are equally important.

Political analysts note that similar debates have emerged in other African countries, often leading to polarized discussions about governance, succession, and institutional strength.

Omamba’s remarks come at a time when the government is pushing several flagship programs. These include the Affordable Housing Program, expansion of rural roads, last-mile electricity connectivity, agricultural subsidies, and the rollout of digital services through the eCitizen platform.

The administration has also emphasized job creation for youth, value addition in agriculture, and public-private partnerships to fund large projects. Supporters of the government argue that these initiatives need time to mature and that policy continuity is essential.

Opponents counter that development should be measured against constitutional principles, transparency, and public participation, not just the number of projects launched. They argue that strong institutions, not longer individual tenure, are what guarantee sustainable progress.

To amend Article 142 on presidential term limits, proponents would need to navigate a rigorous legal process.

Under Article 256, Parliament can amend the Constitution with approval by at least two-thirds of members in the National Assembly and the Senate. Under Article 257, citizens can also initiate amendments through collection of at least one million signatures, followed by consideration in county assemblies and Parliament, and potentially a referendum.

Legal experts say any bill seeking to extend term limits would face immediate court challenges. Courts have previously ruled that certain constitutional principles are basic features that cannot be amended in a way that destroys the Constitution’s core democratic character.

The proposal from a county-level legislator highlights how national constitutional debates often start at the grassroots. MCAs, as representatives closest to voters, frequently shape early conversations on policy and governance.

In Migori and across Nyanza, reactions have been mixed. Some residents say they are focused on service delivery at the county level and are wary of national debates that distract from local issues. Others say the discussion is valid, but must involve wide public consultation before any decision is made.

Political observers say the timing of the proposal midway through the current administration’s term means it will likely be debated for months, if not years.

As of now, there is no formal bill in Parliament to extend presidential term limits. The MCA’s statement appears to be an opening position meant to test public opinion.

For the proposal to move forward, it would need backing from a significant bloc of legislators, support from political parties, and ultimately, approval by Kenyans either through Parliament or a referendum.

In the meantime, the government is expected to continue focusing on its current development agenda, while opposition leaders and civil society are likely to closely monitor any steps toward constitutional change.

The suggestion by Migori MCA George Omamba to extend presidential term limits beyond two terms has reignited one of Kenya’s most sensitive constitutional debates. Framed around development and continuity, the proposal argues that the current administration needs more time to complete its agenda.

But it also raises fundamental questions about democracy, accountability, and the role of the Constitution in shaping leadership. With the 2010 Constitution firmly capping presidential tenure at two terms, any change would require broad consensus and a transparent process.

For now, Kenyans are left to weigh two competing ideas: the need for policy continuity to deliver development, and the need to protect democratic safeguards that prevent the abuse of power. How that balance is struck will shape not just the next election cycle, but the country’s governance for years to come.