Ruto-Raila Talks Team Stall On 2 Proposals To Reduce Cost Of Living
NADCO unveiled its eagerly-awaited report on Saturday, November 25 with a number of recommendations, including proposals to reduce the cost of living, audit the 2022 electoral process, and restructure the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Marvin Chege 
The National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) comprising of Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalition members has failed to reach a consensus regarding two vital proposals to reduce the cost of living in the country.
NADCO unveiled its eagerly-awaited report on Saturday, November 25 with a number of recommendations, including proposals to reduce the cost of living, audit the 2022 electoral process, and restructure the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The Committee was able to build a consensus regarding a majority of issues but referred a divergent opinion on a few issues to the leadership of the two coalitions for further consideration, in this case, President William Ruto and Raila Odinga.
Regarding the cost of living, the committee was unable to reach a consensus on a number of proposals on the matter, including the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16% to 8%, and scrapping of the housing levy, the twin issues in the Finance Act 2023.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka (Left) and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah (Right) conversing on August 30, 2023. /KALONZO MUSYOKA
However, NADCO did recommend that all arms of government reduce their travel budgets by 50% and that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) review Daily Subsistence Allowances for State and Public Officers with a view to reducing by 30%.
NADCO also recommended that the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in liaison with the National Treasury reduce the road maintenance levy and the anti-adulteration levy by Ksh5 and Ksh3 per litre respectively.
"NADCO recommends that the National Government finalizes the transfer of all devolved functions and provides for the concomitant resources to the county governments.
"NADCO recommends that Parliament shall amend the Constitution to provide for the equitable share to the County Governments not to be less than 20% of all revenue collected by the National Government from the current 15%," read the report in part.
Electoral justice and related matters
NADCO recommended the evaluation of the 2022 electoral process, which was one of the key demands by the opposition during the talks.
Regarding the restructuring and reconstitution of the IEBC, NADCO recommended the establishment of an expanded selection panel from the current 7-member to a 9-member selection panel, which will be responsible for recruiting an entirely new leadership structure consisting of the Chairperson and six Commissioners of IEBC.
The committee also made a recommendation regarding the time for resolution of presidential election petitions through the increase of timelines within which the Supreme Court shall hear and determine a petition challenging the validity of a presidential election from 14 to 21 days.
Regarding electoral legal reforms, NADCO recommended that legal reforms passed less than 18 months before the general elections become effective in the next electoral cycle.
Entrenching Of Funds Into The Constitution
NADCO recommended the entrenchment of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and the Senate Oversight Fund as well as the Ward Development Fund be established by statute.
Establishment and entrenchment of State Offices
As previously agreed, NADCO recommended the establishment of the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition, who is the leader of the largest party/ coalition of political parties that garnered the second-greatest number of votes in the immediately preceding presidential elections with two deputies.
The establishment of the office, which Azimio leader Raila Odinga is expected to spearhead, was one of the deliberations of the bipartisan talks, revisiting previous proposals seeking to entrench the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in the Constitution.
The committee also recommended the establishment of the Office Of Prime Minister. One would have to go back to the coalition government during the regime of the late former President Mwai Kibaki to the last time Kenya had a Prime Minister, a post which was held by Raila.
"NADCO further recommends the establishment of the Office of Prime Minister to be nominated and upon approval by the National Assembly, appointed by the President," added the report.
Fidelity to the Law on Multiparty Democracy
NADCO recommended the establishment of the Independent Political Parties Regulatory Commission as an independent body that shall be responsible for the registration of political parties and their office holders and the management of political parties’ funds.
This is a role currently vested in the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
"We are proud to Unveil The National Dialogue Committee’s Report which has been electronically submitted to the Principals representing The Kenya Kwanza and Azimio La Umoja Leadership.
"It is our firm belief that The Report has addressed the issues that formed the basis of the talks and the recommendations therein will progressively heal our wounds, foster togetherness, promote national unity restore our national pride, and usher us to greater prosperity," the committee co-chaired by former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung'wah stated.
