The Senate has dismissed claims circulating online that the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is intended to extend the terms of the president and other elected officials from five to seven years.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Senate urged Kenyans to ignore the misinformation, stressing that the claims are unfounded. “This information is incorrect. A review of the official Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, shows that the claims being made are false,” the statement read.
The Senate clarified that the chief aim of the Bill is to realize its role as a watchdog of the budget and legislation, measures that are intended to secure and protect devolution. The statement further confirmed that the Bill does not propose creating the Office of the Prime Minister or altering the executive structure.
“The Bill makes no mention of creating the Office of a Prime Minister or any other new position within the executive branch. The proposed amendments do not alter the existing structure of the national executive,” it added.
Amendment Bill 2025 Seeks Stronger Senate Role
According to the Senate, the Bill addresses procedural gaps in Parliament to enhance county government support, not term limits. The draft released in July 2025 proposes the devolution of power to the Senate to present legislation, examine constitutional officeholders, pass national budgets, and appeal against National Assembly decisions.
It also seeks to give Senators a role in removing senior public officials and to establish a County Assembly Fund that would guarantee financial independence for county legislatures.
“The principal object of the Bill is to strengthen and secure devolution. The draft Bill seeks to provide a framework to achieve this purpose by reviewing the mandate of the Senate and the National Assembly,” the document notes.
Additionally, the Bill proposes the creation of a formal leadership structure in the Senate – a Speaker, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader – similar to bicameral systems found in countries like the United States.
The reform if enacted would fundamentally increase the Senate’s role to position it along with the National Assembly.
The Bill is being championed by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, with legal oversight from Justice and Legal Affairs Committee chair Hillary Sigei, supported by senior counsels Okongo Omogeni and Tom Ojienda.
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