How government works in Kenya
Kenya has a national government and 47 county governments. Power is also separated between the Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary, with independent commissions watching key parts of public life.
The Constitution
The Constitution of Kenya 2010 is the supreme law. It sets out rights and freedoms, the structure of government, devolution, leadership and integrity, and how public finance should work.
- Chapter 4 — The Bill of Rights
- Chapter 6 — Leadership and integrity
- Article 10 — National values and principles of governance
Three arms of the national government
The Executive
The President is Head of State and Government. The Deputy President and Cabinet Secretaries help run ministries and state departments. The Executive proposes policy, implements laws and manages much of day-to-day national administration. See Chapter 9 — The Executive.
Parliament (the Legislature)
Parliament makes national laws, oversees the Executive and represents the people. It has two houses: the National Assembly and the Senate. The Senate has a special role in protecting counties and devolution. See Chapter 8 — The Legislature.
The Judiciary
Courts interpret the law and resolve disputes independently of the Executive and Parliament. The system includes magistrates’ courts, the High Court, specialised courts, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. See Chapter 10 — Judiciary.
Devolution and counties
The Constitution created 47 counties so that some services and decisions sit closer to citizens. Each county has a governor and a county assembly. National and county functions are divided mainly by the Fourth Schedule (distribution of functions). Start with Chapter 11 — Devolved government.
Independent commissions and offices
Chapter 15 — Commissions and independent offices establishes commissions and independent offices — for example electoral management, revenue allocation, human rights, administrative justice and salaries. They are designed to operate without improper direction from the Executive.
Browse commissions and independent offices
Elections
Citizens choose the President, MPs, senators, woman representatives, governors and MCAs through elections run by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Political rights are protected under Article 38 — Political rights. See also Chapter 7 — Representation of the people.
Public money
Taxes and other revenues fund national and county services. Sharing of revenue, budgeting and audit involve several institutions. See Chapter 12 — Public finance.
This is a simplified overview for citizens. For legal wording, read the Constitution and relevant Acts. This website is independent and not an official government publication. Disclaimer.