Since Kenya gained independence in 1963, the constitution has been altered many times. During the early years of Kenya's existence, the constitution was abused by the president and the ruling party to gain and consolidate power. This was achieved through the creation of a single-party state, the abolition of secret ballots, and increasing the power and prestige that comes with the presidential position. More recently, Kenya's constitution has become more democratic. The additions of a Prime Minister, two Deputy Prime Ministers, and the abolition of section 2A of the constitution (which had prevented Kenya from being a multi-party state) have all contributed to this reform. History of reform Constitutional reform in Kenya has been a major issue since Kenya gained independence. The highlights of the evolution of Kenya's constitution can be highlighted by the following events: 1963 – Kenya's 1963 independence constitution provides for a multi-party parliamentary system. Jomo Kenyatta is installed as Kenya's first Prime Minister. 1964 – Kenya becomes a republic and Jomo Kenyatta becomes Kenya's first President, with the position of Prime Minister scrapped. 1966 – Provincial assemblies scrapped. Senate dissolved and its members combined with those of the House of Representatives into a unicameral National Assembly. 1969 – New constitution adopted, consolidating amendments already made to the 1963 independence constitution, and further strengthening presidential powers. 1976 – Constitutional amendment enabling president to pardon politicians barred from contesting elections over electoral malpractices. Opposition to amendment the leads to the arrest and imprisonment of Philomena Chelagat Mutai and George Anyona. 1982 – Multi-partyism is abolished making Kenya a single party state with KANU as the ruling party. This was followed by the mlolongo system where secret-ballots were no longer used. 1991 – President Moi in December 1991 at a KANU delegates meeting at Kasarani Stadium, repealed Section 2A of the constitution, thereby making Kenya a multi-party state. The change enabled the introduction of term limits to the Presidency. 2000 – Commission for Constitutional Reform of Kenya was set up by President Moi and Prof Yash Pal Ghai was installed as its chairman to spearhead Kenya's first major constitutional reform. 2005 – In November 2005, a constitutional referendum defeats government's proposed new constitution (see below). 2008 – In March 2008, the National Assembly of Kenya passed the Nation and Reconciliation Accord Act that introduced a temporary change to the constitution introducing the position of Prime Minister and two Deputy