Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has proposed that Kenya consider adopting a parliamentary system of government, arguing that the political party with the highest number of Members of Parliament should have the mandate to form the national government.
Speaking during a public forum, Duale said the proposal could help reshape the country’s political landscape by encouraging stronger political parties and reducing the intense competition associated with presidential elections. He maintained that the idea was intended to stimulate national discussion on possible constitutional and governance reforms.
According to Duale, a parliamentary system would allow the party or coalition with the majority of elected MPs in the National Assembly to form the government. Under such an arrangement, the head of government would emerge from the parliamentary majority rather than through a direct presidential election.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that several democratic countries successfully operate under parliamentary systems, where governments are formed based on the outcome of parliamentary elections. He said Kenya could benefit from examining different governance models while considering its own constitutional framework and national interests.
Duale’s remarks have generated discussion among political leaders, constitutional experts and members of the public. Supporters of the proposal argue that a parliamentary system could encourage coalition building, strengthen political parties and promote accountability through Parliament. Others believe Kenya’s current presidential system should be maintained, arguing that it allows citizens to elect the Head of State directly.
Any transition from the current presidential system to a parliamentary system would require constitutional amendments. Such changes would have to follow the procedures set out in the Constitution, including approval through the relevant legal and democratic processes before they could take effect.
Political analysts say proposals for constitutional reform are not new in Kenya. Over the years, different leaders and organisations have suggested various changes aimed at improving governance, representation and the functioning of public institutions. However, constitutional amendments typically require broad political consensus and public participation.
Duale did not announce that the government had formally begun the process of changing the Constitution. Instead, he presented the proposal as an idea for national discussion, inviting Kenyans to reflect on whether the country’s current system remains the most suitable for its future political development.
The proposal comes at a time when political leaders have intensified discussions on governance, leadership and institutional reforms ahead of the 2027 General Election. Different political formations continue to present their views on how Kenya’s governance structure can best serve the interests of citizens.
As debate over the country’s political future continues, Duale’s proposal is expected to attract further attention from lawmakers, legal experts and civil society organisations. Whether the idea gains wider political support will depend on future public debate, consultations and any formal constitutional review process that may be initiated.
For now, the proposal remains part of the broader national conversation on governance, with no official constitutional changes having been announced at the time of publication.