At least seven issues will be dominating headlines in the coming days after ThirdWay Alliance boss Ekuru Aukot revealed that he has hit 1 million signatures for referendum.
With IEBC expected to make a formal announcement, all focus will now be on counties. At least 24 county assemblies must support the initiative for it to go the next level.
The Punguza Mzigo referendum push aims at trimming the executive and parliament, a move that could see the country saving Sh3 trillion.
“The 'Punguza Mizigo' proposed constitutional amendments will save Kenyans Sh3.78 trillion, which is higher than the current national annual budget. With this money, we will be able to meet the pay demands of nurses, teachers and doctors and even create jobs for our growing youth population,” reads part of the Bill.
“Devolution of more funds therefore will ensure that each county or community will not need a 'negotiator' to get access to public services. With inclusivity attained at the ward level, majority of Kenyans may not care who actually becomes president,” states the Bill.
Some of the key issues in the Bill that could elicit sharp debates in the coming days include:
• One ,7 year term presidency. Currently, a president serves for two terms of five years each.
•MPs down to 147 from current 416. This will be one of the issues expected to attract MPs attention.
•Abolish nominations in county assemblies and the senate. The move will affect marginalized groups.
•Make senate upper house. Currently, Senators are embroiled in a showdown with National Assembly over powers.
•Increase allocation to counties to 35% from the current 15%. The point could attract support from governors.
•Replace CDF with ward funds. MPs could oppose the move given that they use it to push reelections.
•Abolish the position of deputy governor. The DGs do not have concrete roles under the current setup.