Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has reignited a contentious debate on Kenya’s constitutional term limits, advocating for the removal of the two-term cap for county governors.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Olekina questioned the necessity of limiting governors to a maximum of ten years in office.

The outspoken legislator argued that the current structure undermines the potential of youthful, visionary leaders who may only start gaining traction towards the end of their first term.

Olekina opined that the five-year tenure is often consumed by political realignment and efforts to secure a foothold in power, leaving little room for meaningful development.

He further criticized the second term as being vulnerable to misuse, with some leaders allegedly turning their focus to personal gain as they approach the end of their political careers.

According to the senator, lifting the term restrictions could encourage long-term planning and reduce the pressure of short-term political survival, potentially fostering more people-centric governance.

“Why should young, capable leaders be capped at just 10 years? The first term is spent playing politics, the second chasing wealth. Without term limits, maybe leaders would finally focus on serving the people instead of scheming to stay afloat. Just think about it,” he posted.

Olekina’s remarks echo earlier efforts by the Council of Governors (CoG) to challenge the two-term cap. In 2019, a committee led by then Governors Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni) and Kiraitu Murungi (Meru) was tasked with reviewing the possibility of amending the law.

The initiative stemmed from the belief that governors were being unfairly limited, unlike MPs and MCAs who can serve indefinitely as long as they continue winning elections.

At the time, CoG Chair Wycliffe Oparanya acknowledged the ongoing discussions, noting that the final report could shape a united position among county chiefs.

More recently, the proposal resurfaced in the Senate during the 2024–2025 legislative cycle.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei introduced a sweeping constitutional amendment bill that sought not only to abolish term limits for governors but also to extend the term of elected leaders including the President, senators, MPs, MCAs, and governors from five to seven years.

Cherargei’s bill called for changes to several key constitutional articles 101, 136, 177, and 180 arguing that a longer term would enhance policy continuity and reduce the frequency and cost of elections.

The proposal raised concerns among governance experts and civil society, who warned it could weaken democratic accountability.

Olekina’s latest remarks are likely to fuel further national discourse around leadership tenures, generational politics, and the balance between political stability and democratic safeguards.

In Kenya, a county governor can only serve a maximum of two terms. Each term is five years long, and the governor is elected every five years. 

A person who has served two full terms as governor is ineligible to hold that office again. 

This term limit is enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.