A fresh power-sharing proposal has emerged as a potential framework for uniting a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election. However, analysts caution that the alliance could struggle to remain intact if it relies only on general or unwritten promises.
The proposal argues that any successful 2027 coalition should be anchored in a detailed and legally enforceable power-sharing agreement. Such an arrangement would guarantee inclusivity within the Executive while also addressing the ambitions, political interests and regional expectations of the various leaders expected to form the coalition.
Kenya’s current Constitution provides for only two top Executive offices—the President and Deputy President. As a result, the proposed arrangement suggests that coalition partners could agree before the election to establish a broader Executive through administrative mechanisms. Alternatively, the coalition could seek constitutional changes after winning the election, drawing inspiration from proposals contained in the Building Bridges Initiative and recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee.
The formula seeks to accommodate the political interests of the country’s major vote-rich regions, particularly Mt Kenya and Western Kenya, while also recognising the strong and organised support associated with Ukambani. It therefore proposes that the coalition’s three most influential Executive positions be strategically shared among different regions.
Under the arrangement, a leading Mt Kenya politician would receive the Deputy President or running-mate position. The move would be intended to keep the region’s substantial voter base firmly committed to the coalition, with its approximately 5.1 million registered voters expected to demand a significant role close to the presidency.
Ukambani, which has about 1.7 million registered voters, would reportedly be given responsibility for coordinating government programmes and overseeing implementation. The position would be designed to function in a manner similar to that of a Prime Minister.
Nairobi, regarded as the country’s economic and political centre and home to about 2.4 million voters, would take charge of the National Assembly. This would give the region considerable influence over the national budget, allocation of resources and approval of senior government officials.
The Maa community, with an estimated 900,000 voters, would be considered for leadership of the Senate. The role would enable it to champion issues such as land ownership, pastoralist livelihoods and safeguards against marginalisation. Meanwhile, the Gusii community, with approximately 960,000 voters, would receive a strategic parliamentary position with influence over the legislative agenda.
The proposal also calls for a clearly defined and mathematically calculated allocation of Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary and ambassadorial positions. Supporters of the formula argue that such precise commitments would give both politicians and voters confidence that the coalition’s power-sharing promises are concrete, enforceable and capable of being implemented.