Reducing Elected Leaders’ Terms to 4 Years: An Answer to Leadership Accountability or a Threat to Stability?

In Kenya, the conversation around the terms of elected leaders is resurfacing with a new twist. Amidst debates of extending the term limits for elected officials from five to seven years, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has voiced a different perspective altogether. Rather than extending terms, he suggests reducing them to four years. His proposal is aimed at increasing accountability and giving Kenyans the power to remove ineffective leaders sooner, calling for greater focus on addressing immediate national issues. But while this proposal is gaining traction, it raises questions about the impact of term length on political stability and development in Kenya.

A New Proposal in Response to Constitutional Amendment Calls

The debate surrounding term limits was recently reignited by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who proposed a constitutional amendment to extend the term of elected leaders, including the President, governors, MPs, and MCAs, to seven years. Proponents argue that this extension would allow leaders to have more time to implement their policies without the pressure of frequent elections. However, Deputy Governor Mwangangi disagrees, calling the idea of term extension a diversionary tactic that threatens to hurt Kenyans by allowing politicians to delay accountability.

Mwangangi’s stance is clear: he believes that rather than extending term lengths, Kenya should shorten them to allow citizens the ability to hold leaders accountable more frequently. By reducing the term from five years to four, he argues, Kenyans would have a shorter wait to remove underperforming or corrupt leaders, thus promoting a higher standard of leadership. “The talk about the extension of terms should be stopped,” Mwangangi emphasized, adding, “I will oppose that the term should be reduced to four years so that we have a shorter time to sort those rogue leaders.”

Accountability Versus Political Stability

The Machakos Deputy Governor’s call to reduce elected officials’ terms from five years to four is a compelling one, especially given recent reports of dissatisfaction with some leaders’ performances. Shortening the term may indeed provide an opportunity for Kenyans to assess their leaders more frequently, reducing the amount of time a “rogue” leader can potentially remain in power.

However, term reduction also comes with potential risks. Frequent elections may lead to political instability, as leaders might focus more on campaigning and securing their next term than on fulfilling their current responsibilities. In a country where elections are known to bring about heightened tensions, a shorter cycle could lead to recurring uncertainty, which might impact economic development, foreign investments, and long-term policy implementation. For Kenya, finding the balance between accountability and stability is key.

The Role of the Clergy Amid Political Turmoil

Mwangangi also called on Kenya’s religious community to keep the nation in their prayers, expressing concern over the country’s current political climate, which he described as “deeply suspenseful.” With ongoing debates around the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other political disputes, Mwangangi believes the nation is at risk of being distracted by personal agendas at the expense of the people’s welfare.

“The church, please pray for Kenyans and the country,” Mwangangi said, emphasizing the need for spiritual guidance as Kenya navigates through difficult political waters. By seeking the support of the clergy, Mwangangi points to the role that religious institutions play in promoting peace and stability, especially during times when political tensions are high.

In Kenya, where religion holds significant social influence, the clergy often play a pivotal role in encouraging dialogue and fostering reconciliation among political factions. At times of political uncertainty, the involvement of religious leaders in national issues can serve as a unifying factor, urging leaders to prioritize the common good over personal ambitions.

Economic and Devolution Concerns

Deputy Governor Mwangangi also voiced strong opinions on the country’s economic challenges, particularly regarding the role of the national government in areas that are constitutionally devolved to counties. One of his main concerns is the national government’s decision to award a contract worth over KSh 100 billion to a foreign company for healthcare services. He questioned this decision, especially since healthcare is a devolved function and counties are currently struggling to manage basic services due to limited resources. “At the moment, counties have no money,” Mwangangi remarked, pointing out that while the national government is investing in large contracts, essential services, such as healthcare, are lacking at the county level.

The challenge of delayed disbursement of funds to the counties has long been a topic of debate. Devolution, established in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, was intended to bring resources and decision-making closer to the people. Yet, recent issues around the national government’s delay in disbursing funds to counties have hampered the ability of local leaders to provide essential services, such as healthcare and infrastructure. Mwangangi’s critique highlights the importance of respecting devolution principles and ensuring that counties have the necessary resources to serve their residents effectively.

The Risks of Politically-Driven Agendas

Mwangangi’s remarks also touched on what he sees as an unfortunate tendency among some leaders to push for changes that serve personal political ambitions rather than addressing citizens’ needs. This includes the recent calls to extend elected leaders’ terms and the ongoing debates around the impeachment of Deputy President Gachagua. Mwangangi describes these developments as distractions that ultimately harm Kenyans by shifting the political class’s focus away from their core responsibilities.

He urged Kenyans to be vigilant and to critically evaluate the motives behind these political maneuvers, reminding citizens of the power they hold to demand accountability and integrity from their leaders. “We must all be committed to defending and protecting devolution and not killing what I believe is one of the best structures ever to benefit people at the grassroots,” he stated.

Mwangangi’s call for vigilance reflects a growing sentiment among Kenyans that political leaders should be more transparent and accountable in their actions. With political trust at an all-time low, citizens are increasingly questioning the motives behind policy proposals and legislative amendments. This call to action encourages Kenyans to remain engaged in the democratic process and to resist any attempts by politicians to undermine the values enshrined in the Constitution.

Pros and Cons of Reducing Term Limits

Reducing the term limit from five years to four, as suggested by Mwangangi, is a significant proposal that could reshape the Kenyan political landscape. The main benefit of this reduction would be increased accountability, as elected officials would face the electorate sooner. This change could act as a check on power, ensuring that leaders remain responsive to the needs and concerns of the public.

However, the potential drawbacks are also noteworthy. A shorter term might lead to an increased focus on campaigning rather than governance, as leaders would be more concerned with securing re-election every four years. Additionally, shorter terms could discourage long-term planning and policy implementation, as leaders may be hesitant to embark on projects that may not yield immediate results within a four-year term.

In a nation like Kenya, where political transitions often come with significant changes in leadership and policy direction, the question of term length is complex. While four-year terms could foster accountability, they may also contribute to instability and hinder progress on long-term initiatives aimed at economic growth and development.

Conclusion

The call by Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi to reduce the term of elected leaders from five to four years opens up an important conversation on governance, accountability, and political stability in Kenya. In a landscape where term extension proposals threaten to shift power away from the people, Mwangangi’s proposal serves as a reminder of the importance of citizen-centered governance.

Yet, the debate over term length is nuanced. While shorter terms may increase accountability, they may also lead to political instability and undermine the effectiveness of governance. The path forward must involve a careful balancing act that considers both the needs of the Kenyan people and the realities of political leadership.

Ultimately, Mwangangi’s proposal underscores a growing desire among Kenyans for transparent, accountable leadership and for a political system that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens over personal gain. Whether through shorter terms, stronger oversight, or greater civic engagement, the pursuit of these values remains essential to building a brighter future for Kenya.