Senate invites views on Bill barring ex-governors from Senate, MCA seats

Senate plenary/FILE

The Senate has invited Kenyans to submit their views on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to bar former governors from vying for Senate and Member of County Assembly (MCA) seats for five years after leaving office.

The public hearing will be held on Thursday, April 30, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Amphitheatre in Nairobi from 9 am, where the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights will receive oral presentations and written memoranda from members of the public and stakeholders.

In a notice, the Senate stated that the Bill was read for the first time on Thursday, March 26, 2026, and was thereafter committed to the committee for consideration in line with parliamentary procedure.

“The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (Senate Bills No. 7 of 2026) was read a First Time in the Senate on Thursday, 26th March, 2026 and thereafter stood committed to the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights for consideration,” the Senate stated.

The proposed law seeks to amend Articles 99(2) and 193(2) of the Constitution and make related amendments to sections 24(2) and 25(2) of the Elections Act, Cap 7 of the Laws of Kenya.

According to the Senate, the Bill aims to bar persons who have served as county governors from vying for election as Senators or Members of a County Assembly for the first five years immediately after serving as county governors.

“The Bill seeks to amend Articles 99(2) and 193(2) of the Constitution and to make related amendments to sections 24(2) and 25(2) of the Elections Act, Cap. 7 of the Laws of Kenya, to bar persons who have served as county governors from vying for election as Senators or Members of a County Assembly for the first five years immediately after serving as county governors,” the notice reads.

The Senate said the public participation process is being conducted pursuant to Articles 118(1)(b) and 256(2) of the Constitution as well as Standing Order 145(5) of the Senate Standing Orders, which require the committee to facilitate public participation and consider public views before making its report.

“Members of the public and stakeholders are hereby invited to attend, make oral presentations or submit written memoranda on the Bill during the public hearing,” the Senate stated.

Those unable to attend physically can still submit written representations to the Clerk of the Senate through hand delivery at the Office of the Clerk of the Senate, Main Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, by post, or via email to [email protected].

The Senate said all submissions must be received on or before Friday, May 8, 2026, at 5 pm.

“It is further notified that the public may also continue submitting written representations on the Bill to the Clerk of the Senate… to be received on or before Friday, 8th May, 2026 at 5.00 p.m.,” the notice states.