The Senate has firmly dismissed widespread claims circulating on social media suggesting that the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to extend presidential term limits or introduce the Office of the Prime Minister.
In an official statement issued on Monday, the Senate clarified that these claims are false and misleading, emphasizing that a review of the actual contents of the Bill confirms no such provisions exist.
“This information is incorrect,” the Senate stated. “A review of the official Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025 shows that the claims being made are false.”
According to the Senate, the Amendment Bill does not propose to extend the terms of office for the President, Governors, Members of Parliament (MPs), or Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from five to seven years.
It also does not introduce the Office of the Prime Minister or any other new executive positions.
The Bill maintains the current structure of the executive and leaves intact all constitutional articles related to term limits and separation of powers.
Published in the Kenya Gazette Supplement on July 22, 2025, the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025 focuses on major reforms targeting devolution, legislative authority, governance, and the oversight role of Parliament.
It seeks to enhance the functionality of both the National Assembly and the Senate without altering the foundational structure of government leadership.
One of the key proposals involves an expanded role for Parliament, as outlined in Articles 94 and 96.
Parliament’s mandate would now include broader oversight of the Executive and state organs, in addition to its core functions of legislation and representation.
Both Houses will share legislative authority and oversee the allocation and expenditure of national revenue.
The Bill also requires Parliament to enact a law detailing procedures for the removal of state officers at the national level.
The Senate’s role under Article 96 is also set to grow. It will formally represent special interest groups, deliberate on county matters, and continue to legislate in alignment with the Constitution.
Additionally, the Senate’s financial oversight will expand to include not only revenue allocated to counties but also revenue raised independently by county governments.
Significant changes are also proposed in the law-making process, particularly with the deletion of Articles 110 and 114.
These articles have historically caused tensions between the two Houses over whether certain Bills concern counties or involve public funds.
Under the proposed changes, all Bills except those related to raising revenue can originate in either House but must be passed by both Houses before being submitted to the President for assent.
The Bill further strengthens Parliament’s vetting role. High-profile appointments such as the Director of Public Prosecutions, Auditor-General, Controller of Budget, and members of constitutional commissions will now require approval from both the National Assembly and the Senate.
In the area of public finance, both Houses will now be jointly involved in reviewing and approving the national budget, including budget estimates, supplementary budgets, and appropriations.
This is intended to improve fiscal accountability and transparency in national budgeting.
To support county governments, the Bill introduces Article 199A, establishing a County Assembly Fund.
This fund will be used to finance the operations of county assemblies and will draw directly from each county’s Revenue Fund.
Additionally, proposed amendments to Article 224 will allow county governments to access funds from the Consolidated Fund in the event of delays in passing the Division of Revenue Bill, helping to ensure that county operations continue without financial interruption.
In conclusion, the Senate is urging the public to seek information from credible and official sources before sharing misleading claims online.
The 2025 Constitutional Amendment Bill does not seek to alter term limits or restructure the executive, but rather focuses on strengthening governance, enhancing accountability, and deepening devolution across the country.
