Article 71. Agreements relating to natural resource
Official Constitutional Text
71. (1) A transaction is subject to ratification by Parliament if it—
(a) involves the grant of a right or concession by or on behalf of any person, including the national government, to another person for the exploitation of any natural resource of Kenya; and
(b) is entered into on or after the effective date.
(2) Parliament shall enact legislation providing for the classes of transactions subject to ratification under clause (1).
Plain English Explanation
This is a simplified summary to explain this article in clear language. It is not the legal text of the Constitution.
Article 71 of the Kenyan Constitution mandates that major agreements or concessions granted to exploit Kenya's natural resources—such as oil, gas, minerals, or forests—must be officially approved (ratified) by Parliament to be legally binding. It explicitly states that this requirement applies to any resource transaction made after the 2010 Constitution took effect. Furthermore, it commands Parliament to pass a specific law detailing the exact categories, monetary thresholds, and types of natural resource deals that must undergo this legislative oversight process.