Hoping to chart a new course for Kenya after months of tumultuous politics, leaders from rival coalitions on Saturday unveiled compromise recommendations aimed at fostering unity, justice and prosperity.
The proposals from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) include an audit of the disputed 2022 election, reforms to the electoral commission and steps to ease the high cost of living. They culminate weeks of intense talks between allies of President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The committee, in their joint press statement, emphasized the significance of the report in addressing the nation’s challenges and providing recommendations aimed at promoting togetherness and restoring national pride. They acknowledged the arduous journey that led to this moment, fraught with storms and cycles of violence that tested the fabric of national unity.
Electoral Justice and Related Matters
NADCO’s recommendations covered a broad spectrum of issues, prominently featuring electoral justice reforms. The committee proposed an audit of the 2022 electoral process, the restructuring of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) through an expanded selection panel, and an extension of the timeline for resolving presidential election petitions from 14 to 21 days. Additionally, NADCO called for electoral legal reforms, advocating that changes made within 18 months of general elections take effect in the subsequent electoral cycle.
Cost of Living
Addressing economic concerns, NADCO urged all arms of government to reduce their travel budgets by 50%, while recommending a 30% reduction in Daily Subsistence Allowances for State and Public Officers. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, in collaboration with the National Treasury, was advised to cut the road maintenance and anti-adulteration levies on fuel. The committee also recommended the expedited transfer of devolved functions and increased funding to county governments.
However, consensus proved elusive on certain proposals related to the cost of living, such as the reduction of VAT on fuel and the scrapping of the housing levy outlined in the Finance Act 2023.
Entrenching Funds into the Constitution
NADCO proposed the entrenchment of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and the Senate Oversight Fund into the constitution. The establishment of the Ward Development Fund was also recommended, albeit through statute rather than constitutional entrenchment.
Establishment and Entrenchment of State Offices
The committee recommended the creation of the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition, along with two deputies, as well as the establishment of the Office of Prime Minister, nominated and appointed by the President upon approval by the National Assembly.
Fidelity to the Law on Multiparty Democracy
In a bid to strengthen multiparty democracy, NADCO proposed the establishment of the Independent Political Parties Regulatory Commission, an independent body responsible for registering political parties, their officeholders, and managing their funds.
