Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

After intensive mediation by former UN chief Kofi Annan and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete the leaders agreed to form a coalition government which will radically alter the way Kenya will be governed.

Coming after two days of intense diplomatic activity, the agreement states that the post of Prime Minister will be created to co-ordinate and supervise affairs of Government. The premier will be leader of the largest party or coalition in Parliament.

According to the deal, both PNU and ODM will each nominate a deputy prime minister, who together with the premier, can only be removed from office through a vote of no-confidence in Parliament.

President Kibaki announced that the State opening of Parliament will be on Thursday, March 6, to begin the process of converting the agreement into law.

Mr Annan announced that he will reconvene the mediation talks Friday to debate how the long-term issues will be resolved. The talks were suspended on Tuesday after the negotiators failed to agree on a power sharing formula.


Return of the prime minister's position

The agreement has ushered back the prime ministerial post abolished soon after independence.

The post of prime minister was briefly held by Mzee Kenyatta after independence in 1963. Under the deal, the Cabinet will consist of the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, the two deputy prime ministers and the other ministers. The removal of any minister will be subject to consultation and concurrence in writing by the leaders.

It also states that the composition of the coalition government will at all times take into account the principle of portfolio balance and will reflect each party’s relative parliamentary strength.

The coalition will be dissolved if the Tenth Parliament is dissolved; or if the parties agree in writing; or if one coalition partner withdraws from the coalition.

Both Mr Kibaki and Raila Odinga have pledged to work together for the benefit of all Kenyans.