In a statement released on Wednesday, Mudavadi said several key issues that have remained unresolved since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution could be packaged into referendum questions and presented to voters during the next general polls.
According to Mudavadi, combining the two exercises would offer Kenyans a rare opportunity to shape the country’s governance framework while participating in the election of national and county leaders.
“If voters can choose several leaders on one ballot, they can also handle two or three referendum questions.”
Mudavadi suggested that national conversations on the proposed referendum should begin as early as 2026, allowing adequate time for public participation, civic education, and consensus-building.
He stressed that any referendum must be people-driven, transparent, and anchored in dialogue rather than political confrontation.
“The most important thing is to ensure Kenyans understand the questions and feel fully involved in shaping the outcomes,” he said.
The Prime CS identified the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report as a key reference point for discussions around the proposed referendum.
He said the document captures many of the constitutional and governance concerns raised by Kenyans over the years.
Among the issues that could be considered are gender inclusivity, the long-debated two-thirds gender rule, and the possibility of introducing a substantive Prime Minister’s position within government.
Mudavadi also pointed to unresolved questions surrounding the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), noting that repeated court battles and legal uncertainty have made it necessary to seek a permanent constitutional solution.
The Prime CS said Kenya’s democratic journey has been marked by recurring disputes after elections, citing the nullification of a presidential election by the Supreme Court as an example of issues that require deeper constitutional clarity.
He argued that allowing citizens to directly vote on such matters would strengthen democracy and reduce tensions associated with post-election disagreements.
“Some of these matters have proven difficult for Parliament to resolve on its own,” Mudavadi said.
“A referendum gives the people the final say.”
Addressing concerns about costs, Mudavadi said holding a referendum alongside the general election would not significantly increase expenses, since much of the electoral infrastructure would already be in place.
He added that a combined exercise would likely lead to higher voter turnout, as more citizens would be motivated to participate in a process that shapes both leadership and governance structures.
“Instead of organising multiple national votes, we can do it once, efficiently, and save taxpayer money,” he said.
Mudavadi said the proposal would help Kenya move away from endless political debates and refocus attention on development and service delivery.
He argued that resolving constitutional questions through a referendum would create stability, allowing the government and future administrations to concentrate on economic growth, social services, and national unity.
“Once these issues are settled, we can move forward as a country,” he said.
“We will reduce constant political bickering and focus on building Kenya.”
The Prime CS noted that if successfully implemented, the combined election and referendum model could set a precedent for other African countries, earning Kenya global recognition for innovation in democratic governance.
He emphasised that the success of the proposal would depend on inclusive dialogue, respect for institutions, and commitment to peaceful democratic processes.
Mudavadi suggested that national conversations on the proposed referendum should begin as early as 2026, allowing adequate time for public participation, civic education, and consensus-building.
He stressed that any referendum must be people-driven, transparent, and anchored in dialogue rather than political confrontation.
“The most important thing is to ensure Kenyans understand the questions and feel fully involved in shaping the outcomes,” he said.
The Prime CS identified the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report as a key reference point for discussions around the proposed referendum.
He said the document captures many of the constitutional and governance concerns raised by Kenyans over the years.
Among the issues that could be considered are gender inclusivity, the long-debated two-thirds gender rule, and the possibility of introducing a substantive Prime Minister’s position within government.
Mudavadi also pointed to unresolved questions surrounding the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), noting that repeated court battles and legal uncertainty have made it necessary to seek a permanent constitutional solution.
The Prime CS said Kenya’s democratic journey has been marked by recurring disputes after elections, citing the nullification of a presidential election by the Supreme Court as an example of issues that require deeper constitutional clarity.
He argued that allowing citizens to directly vote on such matters would strengthen democracy and reduce tensions associated with post-election disagreements.
“Some of these matters have proven difficult for Parliament to resolve on its own,” Mudavadi said.
“A referendum gives the people the final say.”
Addressing concerns about costs, Mudavadi said holding a referendum alongside the general election would not significantly increase expenses, since much of the electoral infrastructure would already be in place.
He added that a combined exercise would likely lead to higher voter turnout, as more citizens would be motivated to participate in a process that shapes both leadership and governance structures.
“Instead of organising multiple national votes, we can do it once, efficiently, and save taxpayer money,” he said.
Mudavadi said the proposal would help Kenya move away from endless political debates and refocus attention on development and service delivery.
He argued that resolving constitutional questions through a referendum would create stability, allowing the government and future administrations to concentrate on economic growth, social services, and national unity.
“Once these issues are settled, we can move forward as a country,” he said.
“We will reduce constant political bickering and focus on building Kenya.”
The Prime CS noted that if successfully implemented, the combined election and referendum model could set a precedent for other African countries, earning Kenya global recognition for innovation in democratic governance.
He emphasised that the success of the proposal would depend on inclusive dialogue, respect for institutions, and commitment to peaceful democratic processes.
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