By Doris Moraa | July 18, 2026
A petition seeking to introduce a one-term limit for all nominated Members of County Assembly (MCAs) has been formally presented before the Senate, reigniting debate over the future of Kenya’s affirmative action seats and the need for greater leadership renewal at the county level.
The petition, submitted by Nakuru-based civil rights activist Laban Omusundi, calls on Parliament to enact legislation that would bar nominated MCAs from serving more than one term. The proposal argues that the current legal framework has created loopholes that allow political parties to repeatedly nominate the same individuals, undermining the original purpose of affirmative action.
According to Omusundi, seats reserved for women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups were intended to broaden representation and create opportunities for new leaders. However, he argues that repeated nominations have transformed the positions into what he describes as political rewards for a select group of individuals with close ties to party leadership.
The petitioner contends that the absence of statutory term limits has enabled some nominated MCAs to remain in county assemblies for multiple consecutive terms, effectively denying other qualified individuals an opportunity to serve.
He further argues that while Kenya’s Constitution imposes clear term limits on elected offices such as the presidency and county governorships, it remains silent on the tenure of nominated MCAs, creating what he terms a “dangerous legislative vacuum.”
According to the petition, introducing a one-term limit would enhance fairness, promote leadership renewal and strengthen the constitutional objectives of affirmative action by ensuring that more women, young people and persons with disabilities have an opportunity to participate in governance.
The petition was formally communicated to the Senate by Speaker Amason Kingi during a plenary sitting before being referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights for consideration.
The committee, chaired by Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, has been tasked with reviewing the proposals, receiving submissions from members of the public and relevant stakeholders, and determining whether legislative amendments are necessary to implement the recommendations.
In accordance with Senate procedures, the committee has 60 calendar days to examine the petition and prepare a comprehensive report containing its findings and recommendations for debate before the House.
If adopted, the proposal could significantly alter the country’s affirmative action framework by requiring political parties to nominate new individuals after every election cycle instead of repeatedly selecting the same nominees.
Supporters of the petition argue that the proposed reforms would increase inclusivity, encourage mentorship of emerging leaders and ensure that affirmative action seats continue to serve their intended constitutional purpose.
They also believe the move would enhance public confidence in the nomination process by reducing perceptions that party-list positions are reserved for politically connected individuals.
However, any proposal to introduce term limits for nominated MCAs is expected to generate considerable debate among lawmakers, political parties and governance experts, with some likely to argue that experience and continuity are equally important in legislative work.
The committee’s review process is expected to include public participation, allowing Kenyans, civil society organizations, political parties and constitutional experts to submit their views before a final recommendation is made.
Should the Senate approve the committee’s recommendations, the proposed reforms would require legislative amendments before taking effect, potentially reshaping how political parties nominate representatives to county assemblies ahead of future elections.
The petition now awaits scrutiny by the Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee, whose report will determine whether the proposed one-term limit advances to the next stage of the legislative process.
