Kenya’s Amendment Bill 2020 gathers pace

By Samuel Ouma

The race to pass the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2020, also known as the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) referendum Bill, is gaining momentum.

The County Assemblies are now the centre of the focus in the push for the constitution amendment. Last month, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) passed the draft Bill to the Members of County Assemblies for approval.

At least 24 County Assemblies of the 47 are required to give the Bill a nod before it goes to the National Assembly.

By Thursday, February 18, eight Counties had passed the Bill, the latest being Kisii County.

The Assembly approved the Bill on Thursday, according to Speaker Amos Onderi.

Other Counties that have passed the BBI referendum Bill are Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Kajiado  County Assemblies.

Only Baringo County has rejected the Bill.

It is being projected that Counties from the deputy president William Ruto’s backyard, such as Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Bomet, and Kericho, will reject the Bill.

Ruto has publicly rejected calls for a referendum, claiming those behind it are driven by selfish ambitions.