• Clerics gave their views to the Building Bridges Initiative taskforce
• Clergy wants prime minister with executive powers and a ceremonial president
Busia clerics have called for a seven-year one-term presidency, saying it will end election violence.
The clergy wants the president to retire together with the deputy president and his or her entire Cabinet and a new team to take over.
Led by Apostle John Muiruri, clerics from the Busia Inter-Faith Gospel Team called for a referendum to change the governance structure.
Giving their views to the Building Bridges Initiative taskforce in Busia on Wednesday, the leaders proposed the creation of a prime minister's office with two deputies.
The PM should have executive powers, they said.
"Kenya needs a ceremonial president and deputy president with very limited authority. [This] must be outlined properly for separation of powers," Muiruri said.
The clergy proposed that youths be recognised and appointed to all committees at the county and national levels. The government should give them grants to start businesses, Muiruri said.
“The deductions that have been made from the MPs, senator, MCAs and administrators should be used to set up factories at the regional level to grant employment opportunities for our highly educated youths,” he said.
The clerics called for additional cash to the Youth Enterprises Fund to benefit more people. They also called for gender balance, saying women should be supported to clinch leadership positions.
"The church is satisfied with freedom of worship and has pledged to work hand in hand with the government," Muiruri said.
The clerics recommended creation of the office of registrar of churches in all counties to handle religious matters.