Sifuna Calls for Two-Term Cap on Nominated MCAs — But Says Second Term Must Be Earned

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has proposed limiting nominated Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to a maximum of two terms, arguing that a second nomination should depend on demonstrated performance and service.

Sifuna made the proposal on Tuesday, September 29, as debate continues over the role and tenure of nominated representatives in Kenya’s county assemblies.

The senator said a two-term ceiling would provide a clear limit while ensuring that continued service is not treated as an automatic entitlement.

“On the issue of limiting the tenure of nominated Members of County Assemblies, I propose a two-term limit.”

However, Sifuna stressed that serving one term should not guarantee another nomination.

“The second term should not be automatic. It must be earned through demonstrated performance, commitment and effective service.”

His proposal places particular emphasis on accountability among nominated MCAs, suggesting that representatives seeking a second term should be able to demonstrate the work they have undertaken during their initial tenure.

What the Constitution says about nominated MCAs

Nominated members form part of Kenya’s county assemblies under Article 177 of the Constitution.

The provision establishes special seats and representation for groups including women, youth and persons with disabilities, with members nominated by political parties in proportion to the number of seats those parties win in county assembly elections.

Sifuna’s proposal therefore comes against the broader question of how nominated positions should operate, including how long individuals should remain eligible for such appointments and what standards should apply when parties select nominees.

Sifuna has also raised security officers’ voting rights

The proposal follows another issue Sifuna raised in the Senate concerning the participation of security officers in elections.

On August 5, the Nairobi senator sought a statement from the relevant Senate committee on how serving police and other security personnel deployed away from their registered polling stations could exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Sifuna pointed to Article 38, which guarantees Kenyan citizens the right to vote by secret ballot.

He argued that security officers assigned to election duties across the country can face practical difficulties in reaching their registered polling stations while carrying out their responsibilities.

The senator suggested that technological developments and existing arrangements for Kenyans voting from outside the country could provide a basis for exploring mechanisms that would allow deployed officers to vote without compromising election security.

He also sought information on measures being considered by the State Law Office and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), including arrangements to protect ballot secrecy and prevent intimidation or coercion.

Sifuna further raised questions about transport, sufficient time away from duty and other logistical arrangements for officers who might need to travel to vote.

The issues reflect Sifuna’s broader focus on electoral participation and representation, with his latest proposal seeking to place a defined limit on the tenure of nominated MCAs while linking any second term to performance.

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