Prime Minister of Kenya: Historical Overview and Political Significance

The position of Prime Minister of Kenya has played a significant, though often brief, role in the country’s political history. This office was first introduced in 1963 and was pivotal during the early years of Kenya’s independence. However, due to constitutional changes and political shifts, it was abolished after just a year in 1964, only to be revived in 2008 as part of a power-sharing agreement. Despite its historical importance, the role of the prime minister was once again dissolved in 2013 following the enactment of a new constitution, marking the end of the office’s influence in Kenya’s political landscape.

History of the Prime Minister’s Office

The office of the prime minister was first established on June 1, 1963, when Kenya gained self-governance as a Dominion under British rule. At this time, the British monarchy was still the head of state, represented in Kenya by a Governor-General. The position of Prime Minister was largely symbolic during this period, as the Governor-General retained executive powers, but the prime minister played an important role in leading the government. Jomo Kenyatta, leader of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), became the first prime minister of Kenya, following his party’s victory in the country’s first general elections.

However, the role of prime minister was short-lived. When Kenya became a republic on December 12, 1964, following the departure of the British colonial administration, Jomo Kenyatta assumed the position of president, and the office of prime minister was abolished. This marked the beginning of Kenya’s fully presidential system, with all executive powers vested in the president.

The Revocation and Re-establishment (2008–2013)

Kenya’s political landscape underwent significant changes in the late 2000s. Following the disputed 2007 presidential elections and the ensuing 2007–2008 Kenyan crisis, the country faced political instability. After violent protests and accusations of election rigging, the two main political leaders, President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga, came to an agreement to form a coalition government in February 2008.

Under the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, the position of prime minister was revived in April 2008. This agreement was intended to ease tensions and promote national unity by giving Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the role of prime minister. While Kibaki remained the president and head of state, Odinga was tasked with overseeing the government’s day-to-day operations and appointing half of the cabinet members. The creation of this power-sharing government was a critical step in restoring peace and stability to Kenya after the violent political crisis.

However, the role of the prime minister was again abolished after the 2010 Constitution was adopted. The new constitution eliminated the office, reaffirming Kenya as a purely presidential republic. Raila Odinga, therefore, remained in office as prime minister until April 9, 2013, when the role was officially dissolved.

The 2021 Constitutional Referendum and the Proposal for Re-establishment

In 2021, efforts were made to reintroduce the office of the prime minister through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a proposal aimed at constitutional amendments to foster national unity and reduce political tensions. The proposed amendments would have reinstated the position of prime minister, alongside other changes to the country’s political and electoral systems.

However, the proposal faced strong opposition and was challenged in court. In March 2022, the Supreme Court of Kenya ruled that the BBI amendments were unconstitutional, and the move to reinstate the prime minister’s office was rejected. This decision marked the end of any immediate plans to revive the position.

Prime Ministers of Kenya (1963–1964; 2008–2013)

Kenya’s prime ministerial office saw only two individuals hold the position throughout its history, each from different political eras:

1. Jomo Kenyatta (1963–1964)
   • Political Party: Kenya African National Union (KANU)
   • Term: 1 June 1963 – 12 December 1964
   • Duration: 1 year, 194 days
   • Significance: Jomo Kenyatta was the first prime minister of Kenya and played a crucial role in the country’s independence movement. After the abolition of the prime minister’s office in 1964, Kenyatta became the first president of Kenya.
2. Raila Odinga (2008–2013)
   • Political Party: Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
   • Term: 17 April 2008 – 9 April 2013
   • Duration: 4 years, 357 days
   • Significance: Raila Odinga’s tenure as prime minister marked a period of political reconciliation following the post-election violence of 2007. His position as part of the coalition government was pivotal in stabilizing the nation.

Conclusion

The office of the Prime Minister in Kenya, though short-lived, has been a significant part of the country’s political history. The creation of the role in 1963, its dissolution in 1964, and its revival in 2008 highlighted Kenya’s shifting political dynamics, particularly during times of crisis. While the position was abolished in 2013, there have been efforts to reintroduce it through constitutional amendments. However, the 2022 ruling by the Supreme Court has put an end to any immediate plans for its return. As Kenya continues to evolve politically, the debate over the prime minister’s office remains a key aspect of the country’s democratic process.

Prime ministers of Kenya (1963–1964; 2008–2013)

Political parties

 Kenya African National Union (KANU)

 Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)