The Senate has passed the Election (Amendment) Bill 2021 that scraps the university degree requirement for aspirants seeking elective posts.
This comes after 27 Senators voted in favour of the bill during the third reading with no single legislator opposing it.
The overwhelming nod by the Senate providing a sense of relief to thousands of Kenyans with political ambitions but lack the requisite document.
The Elections Act (Amendment) Bill 2021 sponsored by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen seeks to lower the threshold for qualification for those eyeing elective posts in the August 9 General Elections by scrapping the university degree requirement in the Elections Act.
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Senator Murkomen proposes that the Elections Act be amended and that anyone with a diploma or post-secondary qualification can vie.
He proposes that a person is eligible for nomination as a candidate for an election under this act if that person:
(a) Is qualified to be elected to that office under the constitution and this act.
(b) Holds a certificate, diploma or any other post-secondary school qualification acquired after undergoing a period of at least 3 months in a recognized institution and in such a manner as may be prescribed by the commission.
(c) Has served as a Member of Parliament or a Member of a County Assembly under the Constitution of Kenya or as a councillor under the repealed Local Government Act.
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Murkomen argues that any Kenyan citizen who is able to read and write in English or Swahili language is literate and is eligible to vie for any elective seat.
The bill passed its second reading on Tuesday where 27 Senators voted Yes. On Wednesday, the bill passed through the committee stage and its third reading where 27 Senators voted in favour of the bill, none opposed it.
The bill will now move to the National Assembly for legislative processing, where if given the nod, then the president will assent it into law.
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