In a statement released on Tuesday, lawmakers made it clear that the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025 does not propose to lengthen the five-year terms for the President, governors, Members of Parliament, or county assembly representatives.
The clarification followed heated conversations on social media earlier in the day, with some users claiming the government was plotting to change term limits from five to seven years. The claims quickly gained traction online, sparking anger and calls for public protests.
Senate officials, however, described the reports as “false and misleading.” They urged Kenyans to seek verified information rather than spreading rumors that may create unnecessary fear.
“The official text of the Bill does not touch on term limits or the structure of the executive,” the Senate emphasized.
Instead of altering leadership terms, the proposals in the Bill are largely focused on strengthening devolution and increasing the Senate’s authority in Kenya’s lawmaking process.
Key provisions include:
Expanding the Senate’s role in reviewing most legislation passed by the National Assembly.
Granting the Senate stronger financial oversight powers, including participation in budget-making.
Giving the Senate a say in approving senior state officials such as the Auditor-General and Controller of Budget.
Establishing a County Assembly Fund, which would guarantee financial independence for local legislatures and protect them from political interference.
The Senate stressed that these changes are designed to enhance accountability, improve governance, and ensure counties have the resources and autonomy needed to serve the people effectively.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi also urged Kenyans to confirm facts before reacting to online content.
He noted that misinformation often creates unnecessary divisions and weakens public trust in institutions.
Analysts believe the uproar over term limits reflects lingering public sensitivities around constitutional amendments, given Kenya’s political history.
However, by clarifying its true focus, the Senate hopes to calm fears and reassure citizens that the Bill is not intended to alter the country’s democratic framework.
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