A section of leaders from the North Rift have called for constitutional amendments to address challenges that they say have persisted for over 15 years since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
The leaders, allied to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), want a referendum to be held on the same date as the 2027 General Election to save costs and ensure maximum participation.
Speaking during a service at AIC Boma Church in Kapsabet, Nandi Hills MP Bernard Kitur said it was time for the country to begin the process of amending the Constitution.
He noted that although the drafters of the 2010 Constitution had foresight, several shortcomings have emerged over the years that must now be corrected.
“Let us start the process of changing the Constitution as soon as now. If there are any bad issues, let us start working on them right now. We were told those who worked on the draft from 2003 had foresight, but if the same issues have been with us for 15 years, then let us bring the process and kickstart the changes,” Kitur said.
He proposed that the issues requiring change be consolidated into a referendum question and subjected to a public vote during the 2027 General Election.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang echoed the sentiments, stating that after 15 years of implementing the Constitution, it was time to evaluate what has worked and what has failed.
He said adjustments were necessary to ensure the law supported development and stability.
“With 15 years of a new constitutional dispensation, we can now say that let is change this particular area and make some adjustments. It is time for us to evaluate and see what works and what does not work,” Sang remarked.
The leaders argued that the proposed amendments would help anchor key issues in the law, giving the country a stronger foundation for governance and development.
They pointed to the controversies surrounding the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), which has faced multiple legal challenges, and the stalled implementation of the two-thirds gender rule as among the priority issues requiring immediate constitutional amendment.
The clamour for constitutional change gained momentum when Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga proposed changes to the devolution structure, including the educational affairs.
