The National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) has put forward a proposal to establish the positions of Prime Minister and Leader of the Official Opposition.
In a collective statement released on Saturday, the 10-member committee highlighted that after four months of discussions, they reached a consensus to create these offices, aiming to enhance national unity between the government and the opposition.
Pending approval by the National Assembly, the nominated individuals for these roles, Musalia Mudavadi and opposition leader Raila Odinga, will be appointed by President William Ruto.
During their deliberations, the committee also addressed the pressing issue of the high cost of living, suggesting a 50% reduction in travel budgets for all branches of the government.
They emphasized, “…and that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) review Daily Subsistence Allowances for State and Public Officers to reduce by 30%.”
Furthermore, NADCO proposed a collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the National Treasury to decrease the road maintenance levy and the anti-adulteration levy by Sh.5 and Sh.3 per liter, respectively.
Presently, both levies stand at Sh.18 per liter.
“NADCO recommends that the National Government finalizes the transfer of all devolved functions and provides for the concomitant resources to the county governments,” added NADCO.
However, they acknowledged their inability to reach a consensus on the reduction of VAT on fuel from 16% to 8% and the elimination of the housing levy.
These unresolved issues have been subjects of strong criticism against the government by Kenyan citizens.
The committee, established through a parliamentary resolution on August 29, was granted 60 days to deliberate on key matters concerning Kenyans and produce a report.
Their mandate included addressing outstanding constitutional issues, electoral justice, entrenching funds in the Constitution, establishing and entrenching State offices, and ensuring fidelity to political parties/coalitions and the law on multiparty democracy.
These matters had been sources of contention between the Azimio la Umoja coalition and the Kenya Kwanza government, leading to nationwide protests with chaotic outcomes.
Azimio has indicated that they may take alternative actions if the bipartisan talks do not show progress.
Previous talks in April and May had broken down with both sides accusing each other of sabotage.
