KunaDawa Unveils Constitutional Reform Proposals to Transform Governance in Kenya

Story by Ashiono kubai

Nairobi, March 16, 2026 — Reform-focused civic movement Kuna Dawa has unveiled a wide-ranging proposal to amend the Constitution of Kenya, seeking to reshape governance structures, strengthen institutional oversight, and enhance accountability across national and county governments.
The proposed reforms, introduced under Article 257, outline a comprehensive package aimed at improving economic coordination, deepening devolution, and reducing public expenditure. The movement has called for broad public participation and national dialogue to refine the proposals.
A key feature of the Bill is the restructuring of Parliament, which would see its membership reduced from 421 to 235. The proposed National Parliament would consist of 188 elected members and 12 nominated members, while the Senate would comprise 47 nominated senators with special seats reserved for youth under 35. The upper chamber would also be renamed the House of Independence, with 47 elected senators granted final legislative authority on matters affecting county governments and the National Executive Council.
To safeguard electoral integrity, the Bill proposes that executive authority temporarily shift from the sitting president to the Chief Justice during the election period. According to the movement, the measure is designed to shield the electoral process from undue executive influence and ensure transparent, credible polls.
The reforms also propose the creation of a National Economic Council to coordinate intergovernmental economic policy and national development planning. Chaired by the President, the council would include the Deputy President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, 16 Executive Economic Block Coordinators, the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, and the Attorney General. The council would administer a restructured National Development Budget allocating 20 percent to flagship national projects and 80 percent to County Economic Blocks for regional development.
Under the proposal, counties would be grouped into economic blocs made up of three neighbouring counties to promote regional integration, joint investment initiatives, and coordinated infrastructure development.
The Bill further proposes replacing the Constituency Development Fund with a Ward Development Fund aimed at directing resources closer to communities and improving grassroots decision-making.
Additional proposals include the creation of the offices of Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister to enhance coordination between the Executive and Parliament, as well as the establishment of the Office of the Leader of Opposition to formalize structured opposition leadership in government.
The Bill also designates Narok County and Kajiado County as protected counties to safeguard indigenous representation and proposes restructuring Nairobi County into two semi-autonomous regions to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency.
Kuna Dawa says the proposals aim to modernize Kenya’s governance framework while strengthening democratic accountability and inclusive development