President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader, Raila Odinga, signed a power-sharing agreement yesterday. The deal will, hopefully, end the violence that has destabilised Kenya since the beginning of January. More parochially, it is also likely to create a semi-presidential system.

According to Reuters, the deal confirms the arrangements that were widely mooted earlier in the week. There will be changes to the constitution. Amongst other issues, these changes will create the post of an ‘executive’ prime minister. There will also be two posts of deputy prime minister and cabinet seats will be shared on a proportional basis between the two main parties. Odinga will assume the post of prime minister.

Previous information suggested that the prime minister’s position would be subject to parliamentary confidence. It remains to be seen whether this will be the case and, if so, whether the government as a whole will be responsible to the legislature. This collectively responsibility is a requirement for semi-presidentialism.

According to Reuters, the Kenyan parliament will meet next Thursday to ratify the constitutional changes. There will also be a more wide-ranging review of the constitution to follow. I have no details as yet as to whether a specific timeframe for the full revision of the constitution is part of the deal.

When I have details of the constitutional amendments, I will post them.