Article 95. Role of the National Assembly
Official Constitutional Text
95. (1) The National Assembly represents the people of the constituencies and special interests in the National Assembly.
(2) The National Assembly deliberates on and resolves issues of concern to the people.
(3) The National Assembly enacts legislation in accordance with Part 4 of this Chapter.
(4) The National Assembly—
(a) determines the allocation of national revenue between the levels of government, as provided in Part 4 of Chapter Twelve;
(b) appropriates funds for expenditure by the national government and other national State organs; and
(c) exercises oversight over national revenue and its expenditure.
(5) The National Assembly—
(a) reviews the conduct in office of the President, the Deputy President and other State officers and initiates the process of removing them from office; and
(b) exercises oversight of State organs.
(6) The National Assembly approves declarations of war and extensions of states of emergency.
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 95 of the Kenyan Constitution defines the specific roles, powers, and duties of the National Assembly. It establishes that members of the National Assembly represent both geographic constituencies and special interest groups while debating and resolving issues that affect the public. The house is responsible for passing national laws and holds significant power over the country's finances. This financial role includes deciding how national revenue is shared between the national and county governments, approving the spending budgets for national state organs, and supervising how that money is used. Additionally, the National Assembly exercises political oversight by monitoring the conduct of the President, Deputy President, and other top state officials, including starting impeachment or removal proceedings when necessary. Finally, the house holds the unique authority to approve official declarations of war and clear any extensions for states of emergency.