ODM-UDA deal gets boost as state assures implementation of NADCO proposals
Politics
By
Patrick Vidija
| Jan 13, 2026
The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) proposals.
This comes after the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei assured the NADCO team led by former nominated Senator Agnes Zani of the government's facilitation and support in the implementation of the proposals and the 10-point Agenda signed in March 2024 between President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
As the March 2026 set timeline approaches, the committee made a courtesy call to Koskei and briefed him on the progress made following last year's meeting, which set the context for fast-tracking the process before the March deadline.
The team presented measures undertaken toward its preparedness to hold consultative fora with various stakeholders, including state and non-state agencies and also presented a Memorandum Guide outlining areas requiring responses from Head of Public Service Office on the 10-Point Agenda noting that similar guides will be issued to all relevant agencies.
READ MORE
How low production is slowing down jobs in the wholesale and retail sector
US now opens door for Kenya to reclaim vital Agoa trade benefits
Bold policy implementation needed to jumpstart Kenya's auto industry
Drought, soaring food prices pushing millions into hunger
Why you can pay dearly for giving wrong facts about your cover
Kenya's mining sector faces litmus test on social welfare as investors get jittery
AG, Treasury CS Mbadi to be grilled by MPs over Safaricom sale
Energy CS pushes Parliament for support on Turkana oil project
Joho faces backlash over Sh8 trillion Mrima Hill rare earth mining project
Koskei’s meeting comes a day after ODM’s Central Committee held in Vipingo, Kilifi County, on Monday, January 12, resolved to begin pre-election coalition talks with parties, including President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), ahead of the August 2027 elections.
The committee tasked Party Leader Oburu Oginga to lead negotiations with potential partners for a formidable formation that will ensure ODM is part of the government after the polls.
Speaking to the press following the closed-door session, Oburu stated that the party will now focus on policy development and coalition building while also preparing its candidate for the race.
“The Committee meeting expressed the intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance,” said Oburu.
Raila before his demise had demanded full implementation of the report if his ODM party was to continue cooperating with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Speaking during a public consultation forum in Kilifi, Raila underscored the importance of a written political agreement with President William Ruto's administration.
However, he made it clear that ODM's support was conditional on the full adoption of NADCO's recommendations.
The NADCO report presented to President Ruto, proposes significant governance reforms, including the creation of position of the Leader of Opposition and the ratification of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
The report also seeks to anchor affirmative action funds in law and establish a framework for implementing the two-thirds gender principle.
Raila said the report would ensure electoral reforms and a chance for lasting peace that could put the country in a path of prolonged stability in years ahead.
The report was a product of protests following the 2022 General Election as the opposition coalition under Raila confronted State agents protesting what they termed as rigged elections.
It took the intervention of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to bring Raila and Ruto to the negotiation table as parts of the country became ungovernable.
A pact between the two leaders was reached, leading to the cessation of protests in March last year and appointment of a bipartisan team, which birthed the report that was handed over by Ichung'wah and Kalonzo.
In August last year, Ruto and Raila formed a five-member committee chaired by former nominated Senator Agnes Zani to oversee the implementation of the report.