Kenyans have been invited to submit proposals on a new bill that would bar governors from contesting parliamentary seats after finishing their terms.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (Senate Bills No. 7 of 2026) seeks to amend Articles 99(2) and 193(2) of the Constitution. The Bill also amends sections 24(2) and 25(2) of the Elections Act, No. 24 of 2011, which replicate the above provisions of the Constitution.
Constitution Amendment Bill Targets Governors
This proposed amendment aims to impose a five-year cooling-off period on former county governors’ political pursuits following the conclusion of their terms.
It bars persons who have served as county governors from vying for election as Members of Parliament or Members of a County Assembly for the first five years following their service as county governors.
According to the Sponsor of the bill, Senator Raphael Chimera, the proposal aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and create room for accountability processes, including audit reviews and oversight by the Senate and County Assemblies, to be concluded effectively.
He notes that county governors account for their financial and administrative decisions to county assemblies and the Senate, and that annual audit reports are reviewed by these bodies as required by law.
“Barring former county governors from vying for elections will allow for any ongoing accountability processes related to administration and financial management affairs of the county to be completed, as these would have a bearing on the suitability of the former county governor to hold any other elective position,” reads part of the bill.
He adds that since the Senate and the county assemblies directly exercise oversight over county governments by examining audit reports and holding governors accountable for their decisions, having former governors serve as legislators would create a conflict of interest and interfere with their decision-making.
Chimera opines that oversight bodies would have adequate time to inquire into any matters arising from the tenure of a previous holder of the office of county governor without interference by the former county governor, which is highly likely, particularly if the person is elected as a member of the county assembly or to the Senate.
If the Bill is approved and signed into law, governors serving their final terms, as well as those intending to exit office, will be ineligible to contest the 2027 General Election and may only seek legislative seats starting in 2032.
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Former Governors Who Were Elected to Parliamentary Seats
The 2022 election saw only two outgoing second-term governors (Mandago and Roba) successfully transition to the Senate, leading to discussions about the conflict of interest, as senators are tasked with overseeing county governments.
Jackson Mandago, who served as the inaugural Governor of Uasin Gishu from 2013 to 2022, was elected Senator for Uasin Gishu County in 2022.
Similarly, Ali Roba, the immediate former Governor of Mandera County (2013–2022), secured the Mandera Senate seat in the 2022 elections on a UDM ticket.
How to Submit Memoranda on the Bill
The bill 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 memoranda may be submitted to the Clerk of the Senate, P. O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi, or hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk of the Senate, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi.
It can also be emailed to [email protected] and copied to [email protected], to be received on or before Friday, 8th May, 2026, at 5.00 p.m.
In addition, the Senate will hold a public hearing on the Bill on a date and venue to be communicated.
