Ruto-Raila Talks End as Team Differs on Some Issues

The National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) on Saturday, November 25 unveiled its report with several recommendations to the government.

The report which was signed by NADCO co-chairs Kalonzo Musyoka of the Azimio Coalition and Kimani Ichung’wah of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition stipulated a majority of measures that were agreed upon by the team as well as divergent opinions on some issues.

Worth noting, the recommendations include the proposal to reduce the cost of living, audit the 2022 electoral process, and restructure the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). 

However, the committee failed to reach an agreement on the reduction of the fuel levy from 16% to 8% as well as the scrapping of the housing leavy in the finance act 2023.

These divergent issues have been referred to the leadership of the two coalitions for further consideration.

NADCO Demands of Pay Cut offs.

Among the major recommendations by the team included government institutions to cut their travel budget by 50% and a downward review of all state and public officials allowances by 30%.

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“NADCO recommends that all arms of government shall reduce all their travel allowance by 50% and that the salary renumeration commission review daily subsistence allowances for state and public officers with a view of reducing by 30%,” read the report.

Meanwhile, the team demanded that the road maintenance levy be reduced.

Notably the road maintenance levy currently deducted from motorist stands at 18 shillings per litter which according to NADCO should be 13 shillings per litter. 

“NADCO recommends that The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in liaison with the national treasury to reduce the road maintenance levy and the anti-adulteration levy by Sh 5 and Sh 3 per liter respectively,” read the report in part.

The committee has also proposed that the national government finalizes the transfer of all devolved functions and provide for the concomitant resources to the county governments.

NADCO has proposed for the establishment of the Independent Political Parties Regulatory Commission as an independent body to replace the office of the registrar of political parties.

NADCO Demands on Opposition’s Office

Likewise, NADCO recommended the establishment of the office of the leader of the official opposition.

This according to the dialogue committee should be the leader of the largest party or coalition of political parties that garnered the second greatest number of votes immediately after the president elect.

Additionally, the team proposed that the Office of the Prime Minister be on a nomination basis and approved by parliament.

“NADCO further recommends the establishment of the Office of Prime Minister to be nominated and, upon approval by the National Assembly, appointed by the President,” the report reads in part.

Azimio Electoral Reforms Demands

Additionally, the Electoral reforms sought after by the Azimio coalition was among the issues considered with the Electoral justice and related matters being among the issues pushed forward in the report by the team.

In the report NADCO recommended the establishment of an expanded IEBC selection panel from the current 7-member to a 9-member selection panel.

They also recommended the evaluation of the 2022 electoral process, the increase of timelines for the resolution of presidential election petitions, and the postponement of legal reforms passed less than 18 months before the general elections.

On the other hand, the Azimio team demanded an increase in timelines for determining petition challenging validity of presidential election from 14 days to 21 days.

Also Read:Kalonzo Says Azimio is Open to Bipartisan Talks Only if in Good Faith

Further the team recommended the entrenchment of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) as well as the Senate Oversight Fund.

Meanwhile the team in its reports on the entrenchment of funds highlighted the need for Ward Development Fund to be established by Statute.

NADCO Chairs Submissions

Speaking while releasing the report on 25th November 2023, Kalonzo and Ichung’wah said it was a product of sacrifice between both parties.

“Throughout this process, concessions were made, entrenched positions were relinquished, but unwavering dedication to the welfare of our beloved nation prevailed,” the two said in a joint statement.

Further the NADCO co-chairs said the committee considered the needs of Kenyans in the whole process.

“We have placed Kenya above personal ambitions, recognizing that our people’s unity and our nation’s prosperity are paramount,”

Nonetheless, the report has been shared electronically with President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga for their endorsement before being subjected to a referendum.