Mumias MP Peter Salasya. Photo/Newsflash
By Georgina Mwikali
Mumias East Member of Parliament, Peter Salasya, has outlined a bold vision for Kenya’s political future, advocating for a government structure that would include a Prime Minister as the head of government and a monarch as the ceremonial head of state.
On Tuesday, 18 February 2025, Salasya expressed his belief that this hybrid system, inspired by models in Morocco and the UK, could help move Kenya beyond its tribal-based politics.
“In most successful governments, the President serves a ceremonial role, while the prime minister, elected by the people, holds the real political power,” Salasya explained.
He emphasised that Kenya should restructure her administrative system to reduce political divisions, with the President acting as a national symbol of unity rather than an appendage of some political leaders.
President should be a symbol of national unity
“Let the President visit regions like Western Kenya, Rift Valley, and the Coast, and be celebrated as a unifying figure,” he added.
Salasya also criticised the current political structure in Kenya, where Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) are often seen as mere mouthpieces, with much of the real power residing with Permanent Secretaries (PSs).
“The CSs have little influence; it’s the PSs who run the show,” he remarked, advocating for a shift toward a more transparent and accountable government model where MPs elect a Prime Minister to handle day-to-day governance.
Beyond his thoughts on governance, Salasya has become known for his outspoken nature, particularly when challenging the status quo.
SHIF not working
Recently, he has been vocal in critiquing President William Ruto’s Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“The system has failed, and it’s time we return to the NHIF and fix it,” Salasya argued.
He criticised SHIF for its inefficiency, particularly pointing out that only a fraction of the 19 million registered members are making regular contributions.
Salasya also expressed concern over the financial sustainability of SHIF, which is currently facing a cash crisis. “This system has been hijacked by cartels,” he said, stressing that more time spent on the scheme would be harmful to Kenyans. He urged the government to invest resources back into the NHIF, which he believes could be reformed for greater impact.
In addition to healthcare, Salasya has taken aim at the government’s new University Funding Model. The system, which allocates support based on students’ financial needs, has been met with resistance from the MP.
“The new system is unfair and needs to be scrapped,” he stated. Salasya is also planning to challenge the merger of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) with the University Fund, which he sees as a move that would undermine the independence of HELB.
