Why holding presidential elections does not make sense anymore

Opinion Piece Argues Kenya Should Rethink Direct Presidential Elections
In a thought‑provoking opinion article, Kenyan development communicator Faith Wekesa argues that the current system of direct presidential elections in Kenya has become largely symbolic and economically burdensome. She points out that in the 2022 elections, Kenya reportedly spent around KSh 36 billion on what she describes as a process that culminated in wide‑scale political realignments shortly afterwards—many parties and candidates who campaigned vigorously ended up joining the government they had opposed.
Wekesa highlights how the proliferation of post‑election alliances, party mergers and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) have blurred the distinction between government and opposition. This, she contends, undermines the purpose of the election since many of the contestants end up cooperating with the winners, raising questions about the value of the electoral contest itself. She further suggests that the financial resources consumed by presidential campaigns and elections could be redirected toward public services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure, offering a more direct benefit to citizens.
The article has sparked debate among political analysts and the public. On one side, some agree with the author’s call for reform, pointing to voter fatigue, rising disillusionment and the heavy cost of frequent high‑stakes campaigns. Others caution that changing the presidential election system could reduce accountability and diminish the public’s direct voice in selecting national leadership. If Kenya were to adopt a model where local representatives elect the president, as Wekesa suggests mirroring the UK system, it would represent a significant shift in democratic practice.
Looking ahead, this commentary comes at a time when political fragmentation, rising costs and the complexity of Kenya’s electoral landscape are increasingly under scrutiny. Whether the government or independent reform advocates will use this moment to initiate constitutional or legislative changes remains to be seen. What is clear is that such discussions could influence how the 2027 election cycle is shaped, possibly opening doors for deeper debate on electoral design and civic participation in Kenya.