Kenya

PREAMBLE

We, the people of Kenya—

ACKNOWLEDGING the supremacy of the Almighty God of all creation:

HONOURING those who heroically struggled to bring freedom and justice to our land:

PROUD of our ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, anddetermined to live in peace and unity as one indivisible sovereignnation:

RESPECTFUL of the environment, which is our heritage, and

determined to sustain it for the benefit of future generations:

COMMITTED to nurturing and protecting the well-being of theindividual, the family, communities and the nation:

RECOGNISING the aspirations of all Kenyans for a governmentbased on the essential values of human rights, equality, freedom, democracy, social justice and the rule of law:

EXERCISING our sovereign and inalienable right to determine the form of governance of our country and having participated fully in the making of this Constitution:

ADOPT, ENACT and give this Constitution to ourselves and to our future generations.

GOD BLESS KENYA

CHAPTER ONE––SOVEREIGNTY OF THE PEOPLE AND
SUPREMACY OF THIS CONSTITUTION

1. (1) All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with this Constitution.

(2)

The people may exercise their sovereign power either directlyor through their democratically elected representatives.

(3)

Sovereign power under this Constitution is delegated tothe following State organs, which shall perform their functions inaccordance with this Constitution––

(a)

Parliament and the legislative assemblies in the countygovernments;

(b)

the national executive and the executive structures in the
county governments; and

(c)

the Judiciary and independent tribunals.

(4)

The sovereign power of the people is exercised at––

(a)

the national level; and

(b)

the county level.

2. (1) This Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic and binds all persons and all State organs at both levels of government.

(2)

No person may claim or exercise State authority except as authorised under this Constitution.

(3)

The validity or legality of this Constitution is not subject to challenge by or before any court or other State organ.

(4)

Any law, including customary law, that is inconsistent with this Constitution is void to the extent of the inconsistency, and any act or omission in contravention of this Constitution is invalid.

(5)

The general rules of international law shall form part of the law of Kenya.

Sovereignty of thepeople.

Supremacy of thisConstitution.

Defence of this Constitution.

Declaration of the Republic.

Territory of Kenya.

Devolution and access to services.

National, official and

other languages.

(6) Any treaty or convention ratified by Kenya shall form part of

the law of Kenya under this Constitution.

3. (1) Every person has an obligation to respect, uphold anddefend this Constitution.

(2) Any attempt to establish a government otherwise than incompliance with this Constitution is unlawful.

CHAPTER TWO––THE REPUBLIC

4. (1) Kenya is a sovereign Republic.

(2) The Republic of Kenya shall be a multi-party democratic Statefounded on the national values and principles of governance referred to in Article 10.

5. Kenya consists of the territory and territorial waters comprisingKenya on the effective date, and any additional territory and territorial

waters as defined by an Act of Parliament.

6. (1) The territory of Kenya is divided into the counties specified

in the First Schedule.

(2)

The governments at the national and county levels are distinctand inter-dependent and shall conduct their mutual relations on the basisof consultation and cooperation.

(3)

A national State organ shall ensure reasonable access to its services in all parts of the Republic, so far as it is appropriate to do so having regard to the nature of the service.

7. (1) The national language of the Republic is Kiswahili.

(2) The official languages of the Republic are Kiswahili and

English.

(3)

The State shall––

(a)

promote and protect the diversity of language of the people
of Kenya; and

(b)

promote the development and use of indigenous languages,
Kenyan Sign language, Braille and other communication
formats and technologies accessible to persons with
disabilities.

1. There shall be no State religion.
2. (1) The national symbols of the Republic are––

(a) the national flag;

(b)

the national anthem;

(c)

the coat of arms; and

(d)

the public seal.

(2)

The national symbols are as set out in the Second Schedule.

(3)

The national days are––

(a)

Madaraka Day, to be observed on 1^st June;

(b)

Mashujaa Day, to be observed on 20^th October; and

(c)

Jamhuri Day, to be observed on 12^th December.

(4)

A national day shall be a public holiday.

(5)

Parliament may enact legislation prescribing other publicholidays, and providing for observance of public holidays.

10. (1) The national values and principles of governance in this Article bind all State organs, State officers, public officers and all personswhenever any of them––

(a)

applies or interprets this Constitution;

(b)

enacts, applies or interprets any law; or

(c)

makes or implements public policy decisions.

(2)

The national values and principles of governance include––

(a)

patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power, the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people;

(b)

human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality,
human rights, non-discrimination and protection of the
marginalised;

(c)

good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability;
and

State and religion.

National symbols andnational days.

National values and principles of governance.

Culture.

Entitlements of citizens.

Retention and acquisition ofcitizenship.

(d) sustainable development.

11. (1) This Constitution recognises culture as the foundationof the nation and as the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people and nation.

(2)

The State shall—

(a)

promote all forms of national and cultural expression
through literature, the arts, traditional celebrations, science,
communication, information, mass media, publications,
libraries and other cultural heritage;

(b)

recognise the role of science and indigenous technologies
in the development of the nation; and

(c)

promote the intellectual property rights of the people of
Kenya.

(3)

Parliament shall enact legislation to—

(a)

ensure that communities receive compensation or royalties
for the use of their cultures and cultural heritage; and

(b)

recognise and protect the ownership of indigenous seeds
and plant varieties, their genetic and diverse characteristics
and their use by the communities of Kenya.

CHAPTER THREE––CITIZENSHIP

12. (1) Every citizen is entitled to––

(a) the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship, subject to the limits provided or permitted by this Constitution; and

(b) a Kenyan passport and any document of registration or

identification issued by the State to citizens.

(2) A passport or other document referred to in clause (1) (b) maybe denied, suspended or confiscated only in accordance with an Act of Parliament that satisfies the criteria mentioned in Article 24.

13. (1) Every person who was a citizen immediately before the effective date retains the same citizenship status as of that date.

(2)

Citizenship may be acquired by birth or registration.

(3)

Citizenship is not lost through marriage or the dissolution of marriage.

14. (1) A person is a citizen by birth if on the day of the person’s

Citizenship by birth.

birth, whether or not the person is born in Kenya, either the mother orfather of the person is a citizen.

(2)

Clause (1) applies equally to a person born before the effectivedate, whether or not the person was born in Kenya, if either the motheror father of the person is or was a citizen.

(3)

Parliament may enact legislation limiting the effect of clauses

(1)

and (2) on the descendents of Kenyan citizens who are born outside Kenya.

(4)

A child found in Kenya who is, or appears to be, less than eight years of age, and whose nationality and parents are not known, is presumed to be a citizen by birth.

(5)

A person who is a Kenyan citizen by birth and who, on the effective date, has ceased to be a Kenyan citizen because the person acquired citizenship of another country, is entitled on application to regain Kenyan citizenship.

15. (1) A person who has been married to a citizen for a period Citizenship byof at least seven years is entitled on application to be registered as a registration.citizen.

(2) A person who has been lawfully resident in Kenya for a

continuous period of at least seven years, and who satisfies the conditions

prescribed by an Act of Parliament, may apply to be registered as a citizen.

(3)

A child who is not a citizen, but is adopted by a citizen, is entitled on application to be registered as a citizen.

(4)

Parliament shall enact legislation establishing conditions on which citizenship may be granted to individuals who are citizens of other countries.

(5) This Article applies to a person as from the effective date, but any requirements that must be satisfied before the person is entitled to be registered as a citizen shall be regarded as having been satisfied irrespective of whether the person satisfied them before or after the effective date, or partially before, and partially after, the effectivedate.

Dual citizenship.

Revocation of citizenship.

Legislation oncitizenship.

1. A citizen by birth does not lose citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country.
1. (1) If a person acquired citizenship by registration, thecitizenship may be revoked if the person––
1. acquired the citizenship by fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact;
2. has, during any war in which Kenya was engaged, unlawfullytraded or communicated with an enemy or been engaged in or associated with any business that was knowingly carried on in such a manner as to assist an enemy in that war;
3. has, within five years after registration, been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of threeyears or longer; or
4. has, at any time after registration, been convicted of treason,or of an offence for which––
5. a penalty of at least seven years imprisonment may be imposed; or
6. a more severe penalty may be imposed.

(2) The citizenship of a person who was presumed to be a citizen by birth, as contemplated in Article 14 (4), may be revoked if––

(a)

the citizenship was acquired by fraud, false representation or concealment of any material fact by any person;

(b)

the nationality or parentage of the person becomes known, and reveals that the person was a citizen of another country; or

(c)

the age of the person becomes known, and reveals that the person was older than eight years when found in Kenya.

18. Parliament shall enact legislation—

(a)

prescribing procedures by which a person may become a citizen;

(b)

governing entry into and residence in Kenya;

(c)

providing for the status of permanent residents;

(d)

providing for voluntary renunciation of citizenship;

(e)

prescribing procedures for revocation of citizenship;

(f)

prescribing the duties and rights of citizens; and

(g)

generally giving effect to the provisions of this Chapter.

CHAPTER FOUR––THE BILL OF RIGHTS

Part 1—General Provisions relatinG to the Bill of riGhts

19. (1) The Bill of Rights is an integral part of Kenya’s democraticstate and is the framework for social, economic and cultural policies.

(2)

The purpose of recognising and protecting human rights andfundamental freedoms is to preserve the dignity of individuals andcommunities and to promote social justice and the realisation of the potential of all human beings.

(3)

The rights and fundamental freedoms in the Bill ofRights—

(a)

belong to each individual and are not granted by the
State;

(b)

do not exclude other rights and fundamental freedoms not
in the Bill of Rights, but recognised or conferred by law,
except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this
Chapter; and

(c)

are subject only to the limitations contemplated in thisConstitution.

20. (1) The Bill of Rights applies to all law and binds all State organs and all persons.

(2)

Every person shall enjoy the rights and fundamental freedomsin the Bill of Rights to the greatest extent consistent with the nature of the right or fundamental freedom.

(3)

In applying a provision of the Bill of Rights, a court shall—

(a)

develop the law to the extent that it does not give effect to
a right or fundamental freedom; and

Rights andfundamental freedoms.

Application of Bill ofRights.

Implementationof rights andfundamental freedoms.

(b) adopt the interpretation that most favours the enforcement of a right or fundamental freedom.

(4)

In interpreting the Bill of Rights, a court, tribunal or other authority shall promote––

(a)

the values that underlie an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality, equity and freedom; and

(b)

the spirit, purport and objects of the Bill of Rights.

(5)

In applying any right under Article 43, if the State claims that it does not have the resources to implement the right, a court, tribunal or other authority shall be guided by the following principles––

(a)

it is the responsibility of the State to show that the resourcesare not available;

(b)

in allocating resources, the State shall give priority to ensuringthe widest possible enjoyment of the right or fundamental freedom having regard to prevailing circumstances, includingthe vulnerability of particular groups or individuals; and

(c)

the court, tribunal or other authority may not interfere with a decision by a State organ concerning the allocation ofavailable resources, solely on the basis that it would have reached a different conclusion.

21. (1) It is a fundamental duty of the State and every State organ to

observe, respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights and fundamental

freedoms in the Bill of Rights.

(2) The State shall take legislative, policy and other measures, including the setting of standards, to achieve the progressive realisationof the rights guaranteed under Article 43.

(3) All State organs and all public officers have the duty to addressthe needs of vulnerable groups within society, including women, older members of society, persons with disabilities, children, youth, membersof minority or marginalised communities, and members of particular ethnic, religious or cultural communities.

(4) The State shall enact and implement legislation to fulfil its

international obligations in respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

22. (1) Every person has the right to institute court proceedings claiming that a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights has been denied, violated or infringed, or is threatened.

(2)

In addition to a person acting in their own interest, courtproceedings under clause (1) may be instituted by––

(a)

a person acting on behalf of another person who cannot act
in their own name;

(b)

a person acting as a member of, or in the interest of, a group
or class of persons;

(c)

a person acting in the public interest; or

(d)

an association acting in the interest of one or more of its
members.

(3)

The Chief Justice shall make rules providing for the courtproceedings referred to in this Article, which shall satisfy the criteria that––

(a)

the rights of standing provided for in clause (2) are fully
facilitated;

(b)

formalities relating to the proceedings, including
commencement of the proceedings, are kept to the minimum,
and in particular that the court shall, if necessary, entertain
proceedings on the basis of informal documentation;

(c)

no fee may be charged for commencing the proceedings;

(d)

the court, while observing the rules of natural justice, shall
not be unreasonably restricted by procedural technicalities;
and

(e)

an organisation or individual with particular expertise may,
with the leave of the court, appear as a friend of the court.

(4)

The absence of rules contemplated in clause (3) does notlimit the right of any person to commence court proceedings under this Article, and to have the matter heard and determined by a court.

23. (1) The High Court has jurisdiction, in accordance with Article165, to hear and determine applications for redress of a denial, violationor infringement of, or threat to, a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights.

Enforcement of Bill of Rights.

Authority of courts touphold and enforcethe Bill of Rights.

Limitation of rightsand fundamental freedoms.

(2)

Parliament shall enact legislation to give original jurisdiction in appropriate cases to subordinate courts to hear and determineapplications for redress of a denial, violation or infringement of, or threat to, a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights.

(3)

In any proceedings brought under Article 22, a court may grant appropriate relief, including––

(a)

a declaration of rights;

(b)

an injunction;

(c)

a conservatory order;

(d)

a declaration of invalidity of any law that denies, violates,
infringes, or threatens a right or fundamental freedom in the

Bill of Rights and is not justified under Article 24;

(e)

an order for compensation; and

(f)

an order of judicial review.

24. (1) A right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rightsshall not be limited except by law, and then only to the extent that the limitation is reasonable and justifiable in an open and democratic societybased on human dignity, equality and freedom, taking into account all relevant factors, including––

(a)

the nature of the right or fundamental freedom;

(b)

the importance of the purpose of the limitation;

(c)

the nature and extent of the limitation;

(d)

the need to ensure that the enjoyment of rights and
fundamental freedoms by any individual does not prejudice
the rights and fundamental freedoms of others; and

(e)

the relation between the limitation and its purpose and
whether there are less restrictive means to achieve the
purpose.

(2) Despite clause (1), a provision in legislation limiting a right or fundamental freedom—

(a) in the case of a provision enacted or amended on or after the

effective date, is not valid unless the legislation specifically

expresses the intention to limit that right or fundamental
freedom, and the nature and extent of the limitation;

(b) shall not be construed as limiting the right or fundmental

freedom unless the provision is clear and specific about the

right or freedom to be limited and the nature and extent of
the limitation; and

(c)

shall not limit the right or fundamental freedom so far as to
derogate from its core or essential content.

(3)

The State or a person seeking to justify a particular limitation shall demonstrate to the court, tribunal or other authority that the

requirements of this Article have been satisfied.

(4) The provisions of this Chapter on equality shall be qualified to

the extent strictly necessary for the application of Muslim law before theKadhis’ courts, to persons who profess the Muslim religion, in matters relating to personal status, marriage, divorce and inheritance.

(5)

Despite clause (1) and (2), a provision in legislation may limitthe application of the rights or fundamental freedoms in the following provisions to persons serving in the Kenya Defence Forces or theNational Police Service––

(a)

Article 31—Privacy;

(b)

Article 36—Freedom of association;

(c)

Article 37—Assembly, demonstration, picketing and
petition;

(d)

Article 41—Labour relations;

(e)

Article 43—Economic and social rights; and

(f)

Article 49—Rights of arrested persons.

25. Despite any other provision in this Constitution, the following

Fundamental Rights

rights and fundamental freedoms shall not be limited––

and freedoms that may not be limited.

(a)

freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment;

(b)

freedom from slavery or servitude;

Right to life.

Equality and freedomfrom discrimination.

(c)

the right to a fair trial; and

(d)

the right to an order of habeas corpus.

Part 2––riGhts and fundamental freedoms

26. (1) Every person has the right to life.

(2) The life of a person begins at conception.

(3)

A person shall not be deprived of life intentionally, except to the extent authorised by this Constitution or other written law.

(4)

Abortion is not permitted unless, in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law.

27. (1) Every person is equal before the law and has the right to

equal protection and equal benefit of the law.

(2)

Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and fundamental freedoms.

(3)

Women and men have the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural andsocial spheres.

(4)

The State shall not discriminate directly or indirectly against any person on any ground, including race, sex, pregnancy, marital status,health status, ethnic or social origin, colour, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, dress, language or birth.

(5)

A person shall not discriminate directly or indirectly against another person on any of the grounds specified or contemplated in clause (4).

(6) To give full effect to the realisation of the rights guaranteed under this Article, the State shall take legislative and other measures, including affirmative action programmes and policies designed toredress any disadvantage suffered by individuals or groups because of past discrimination.

(7)

Any measure taken under clause (6) shall adequately provide

(8)

In addition to the measures contemplated in clause (6), the

for any benefits to be on the basis of genuine need.

State shall take legislative and other measures to implement the principlethat not more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender.

1. Every person has inherent dignity and the right to have that dignity respected and protected.
2. Every person has the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right not to be—

(a)

deprived of freedom arbitrarily or without just cause;

(b)

detained without trial, except during a state of emergency,
in which case the detention is subject to Article 58;

(c)

subjected to any form of violence from either public or
private sources;

(d)

subjected to torture in any manner, whether physical or
psychological;

(e)

subjected to corporal punishment; or

(f)

treated or punished in a cruel, inhuman or degrading
manner.

30. (1) A person shall not be held in slavery or servitude.

(2) A person shall not be required to perform forced labour.

31. Every person has the right to privacy, which includes theright not to have—

(a)

their person, home or property searched;

(b)

their possessions seized;

(c)

information relating to their family or private affairs
unnecessarily required or revealed; or

(d)

the privacy of their communications infringed.

32. (1) Every person has the right to freedom of conscience,religion, thought, belief and opinion.

(2) Every person has the right, either individually or in communitywith others, in public or in private, to manifest any religion or belief

Human dignity.

Freedom and securityof the person.

Slavery, servitude and forced labour.

Privacy.

Freedom of conscience, religion,belief and opinion.

Freedom of expression.

Freedom of the media.

through worship, practice, teaching or observance, including observanceof a day of worship.

(3)

A person may not be denied access to any institution,employment or facility, or the enjoyment of any right, because of the person’s belief or religion.

(4)

A person shall not be compelled to act, or engage in any act, that is contrary to the person’s belief or religion.

33. (1) Every person has the right to freedom of expression,which includes—

(a)

freedom to seek, receive or impart information or ideas;

(b)

freedom of artistic creativity; and

(c) academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.

(2)

The right to freedom of expression does not extend to—

(a)

propaganda for war;

(b)

incitement to violence;

(c)

hate speech; or

(d)

advocacy of hatred that—

(i) constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification of others or

incitement to cause harm; or

(ii) is based on any ground of discrimination specified or

contemplated in Article 27 (4).

(3) In the exercise of the right to freedom of expression, every person shall respect the rights and reputation of others.

34. (1) Freedom and independence of electronic, print and all othertypes of media is guaranteed, but does not extend to any expressionspecified in Article 33 (2).

(2)

The State shall not—

(a)

exercise control over or interfere with any person engaged in
broadcasting, the production or circulation of any publication
or the dissemination of information by any medium; or

		27
(b) penalise any person for any opinion or view or the content of any broadcast, publication or dissemination. (3) Broadcasting and other electronic media have freedom ofestablishment, subject only to licensing procedures that— (a) are necessary to regulate the airwaves and other forms of signal distribution; and (b) are independent of control by government, political interestsor commercial interests.
(4) All State-owned media shall— (a) be free to determine independently the editorial content of their broadcasts or other communications;
(b) be impartial; and (c) afford fair opportunity for the presentation of divergentviews and dissenting opinions. (5) Parliament shall enact legislation that provides for theestablishment of a body, which shall— (a) be independent of control by government, political interestsor commercial interests;
(b) reflect the interests of all sections of the society; and (c) set media standards and regulate and monitor compliance with those standards.
35. (1) Every citizen has the right of access to— (a) information held by the State; and (b) information held by another person and required forthe exercise or protection of any right or fundamentalfreedom.	Access to information.
(2) Every person has the right to the correction or deletion of untrue or misleading information that affects the person. (3) The State shall publish and publicise any important informationaffecting the nation.

Freedom of association.

Assembly, demonstration,picketing andpetition.

Political rights.

36. (1) Every person has the right to freedom of association,which includes the right to form, join or participate in the activities of an association of any kind.

(2)

A person shall not be compelled to join an association of any kind.

(3)

Any legislation that requires registration of an association of any kind shall provide that—

(a)

registration may not be withheld or withdrawn unreasonably;
and

(b)

there shall be a right to have a fair hearing before a
registration is cancelled.

1. Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, toassemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.
1. (1) Every citizen is free to make political choices, whichincludes the right—
1. to form, or participate in forming, a political party;
2. to participate in the activities of, or recruit members for, a
   political party; or
   
3. to campaign for a political party or cause.

(2)

Every citizen has the right to free, fair and regular elections based on universal suffrage and the free expression of the will of the electors for—

(a)

any elective public body or office established under this
Constitution; or

(b)

any office of any political party of which the citizen is a
member.

(3)

Every adult citizen has the right, without unreasonablerestrictions—

(a)

to be registered as a voter;

(b)

to vote by secret ballot in any election or referendum; and

(c) to be a candidate for public office, or office within a politicalparty of which the citizen is a member and, if elected, to

hold office.

39. (1) Every person has the right to freedom of movement.

(2)

Every person has the right to leave Kenya.

(3)

Every citizen has the right to enter, remain in and resideanywhere in Kenya.

40. (1) Subject to Article 65, every person has the right,either individually or in association with others, to acquire and own property––

(a)

of any description; and

(b)

in any part of Kenya.

(2)

Parliament shall not enact a law that permits the State or any person—

(a)

to arbitrarily deprive a person of property of any descriptionor of any interest in, or right over, any property of anydescription; or

(b)

to limit, or in any way restrict the enjoyment of any right

under this Article on the basis of any of the grounds specified

or contemplated in Article 27 (4).

(3)

The State shall not deprive a person of property of anydescription, or of any interest in, or right over, property of anydescription, unless the deprivation—

(a)

results from an acquisition of land or an interest in landor a conversion of an interest in land, or title to land, inaccordance with Chapter Five; or

(b)

is for a public purpose or in the public interest and is carriedout in accordance with this Constitution and any Act ofParliament that—

(i)

requires prompt payment in full, of just compensation to the person; and

(ii)

allows any person who has an interest in, or right over, that property a right of access to a court of law.

Freedom of movement and residence.

Protection of right toproperty.

Labour relations.

Environment.

(4)

Provision may be made for compensation to be paid tooccupants in good faith of land acquired under clause (3) who may nothold title to the land.

(5)

The State shall support, promote and protect the intellectualproperty rights of the people of Kenya.

(6)

The rights under this Article do not extend to any property that has been found to have been unlawfully acquired.

41. (1) Every person has the right to fair labour practices.

(2)

Every worker has the right—

(a)

to fair remuneration;

(b)

to reasonable working conditions;

(c)

to form, join or participate in the activities and programmes
of a trade union; and

(d)

to go on strike.

(3)

Every employer has the right—

(e)

to form and join an employers organisation; and

(f)

to participate in the activities and programmes of an
employers organisation.

(4)

Every trade union and every employers’ organisation has the right—

(a)

to determine its own administration, programmes and
activities;

(b)

to organise; and

(c)

to form and join a federation.

(5)

Every trade union, employers’organisation and employer has the right to engage in collective bargaining.

42. Every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment,which includes the right—

(a) to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations through legislative and other measures,particularly those contemplated in Article 69; and

(b) to have obligations relating to the environment fulfilledunder Article 70.

43. (1) Every person has the right—

(a)

to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to health care services, including reproductivehealth care;

(b)

to accessible and adequate housing, and to reasonable
standards of sanitation;

(c)

to be free from hunger, and to have adequate food ofacceptable quality;

(d)

to clean and safe water in adequate quantities;

(e)

to social security; and

(f)

to education.

(2)

A person shall not be denied emergency medical treatment.

(3)

The State shall provide appropriate social security to persons who are unable to support themselves and their dependants.

44. (1) Every person has the right to use the language, and to participate in the cultural life, of the person’s choice.

(2)

A person belonging to a cultural or linguistic community has the right, with other members of that community—

(a)

to enjoy the person’s culture and use the person’s language; or

(b)

to form, join and maintain cultural and linguistic associations
and other organs of civil society.

(3)

A person shall not compel another person to perform, observe or undergo any cultural practice or rite.

45. (1) The family is the natural and fundamental unit of society and the necessary basis of social order, and shall enjoy the recognition

Economic and social rights.

Language andculture.

Family.

Consumer rights.

Fair administrative action.

and protection of the State.

(2)

Every adult has the right to marry a person of the opposite sex, based on the free consent of the parties.

(3)

Parties to a marriage are entitled to equal rights at the time of the marriage, during the marriage and at the dissolution of themarriage.

(4)

Parliament shall enact legislation that recognises—

(a)

marriages concluded under any tradition, or system of
religious, personal or family law; and

(b)

any system of personal and family law under any tradition,
or adhered to by persons professing a particular religion,

to the extent that any such marriages or systems of law are consistentwith this Constitution.

46. (1) Consumers have the right—

(a) to goods and services of reasonable quality;

(b) to the information necessary for them to gain full benefit
from goods and services;

(c)

to the protection of their health, safety, and economic
interests; and

(d)

to compensation for loss or injury arising from defects in
goods or services.

(2)

Parliament shall enact legislation to provide for consumer protection and for fair, honest and decent advertising.

(3)

This Article applies to goods and services offered by public entities or private persons.

47. (1) Every person has the right to administrative action that is

expeditious, efficient, lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair.

(2) If a right or fundamental freedom of a person has been or is likely to be adversely affected by administrative action, the person has the right to be given written reasons for the action.

(3) Parliament shall enact legislation to give effect to the rights in clause (1) and that legislation shall—

(a) provide for the review of administrative action by a court or,if appropriate, an independent and impartial tribunal; and

(b) promote efficient administration.

1. The State shall ensure access to justice for all persons and, if any fee is required, it shall be reasonable and shall not impede access to justice.
2. (1) An arrested person has the right—

(a)

to be informed promptly, in language that the person
understands, of—

(i)

the reason for the arrest;

(ii)

the right to remain silent; and

(iii) the consequences of not remaining silent;

(b)

to remain silent;

(c)

to communicate with an advocate, and other persons whose assistance is necessary;

(d)

not to be compelled to make any confession or admission that could be used in evidence against the person;

(e)

to be held separately from persons who are serving asentence;

(f)

to be brought before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than––

(i)

twenty-four hours after being arrested; or

(ii)

if the twenty-four hours ends outside ordinary courthours, or on a day that is not an ordinary court day, the end of the next court day;

(g) at the first court appearance, to be charged or informed of the
reason for the detention continuing, or to be released; and

(h) to be released on bond or bail, on reasonable conditions, pending a charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons

Access to justice.

Rights of arrested persons.

Fair hearing.

not to be released.

(2) A person shall not be remanded in custody for an offence if

the offence is punishable by a fine only or by imprisonment for not

more than six months.

50. (1) Every person has the right to have any dispute that can beresolved by the application of law decided in a fair and public hearing before a court or, if appropriate, another independent and impartialtribunal or body.

(2) Every accused person has the right to a fair trial, whichincludes the right—

(a) to be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved;

(b) to be informed of the charge, with sufficient detail toanswer it;

(c)

to have adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence;

(d)

to a public trial before a court established under thisConstitution;

(e)

to have the trial begin and conclude without unreasonable delay;

(f)

to be present when being tried, unless the conduct ofthe accused person makes it impossible for the trial toproceed;

(g)

to choose, and be represented by, an advocate, and to be informed of this right promptly;

(h)

to have an advocate assigned to the accused person by the State and at State expense, if substantial injustice wouldotherwise result, and to be informed of this right promptly;

(i)

to remain silent, and not to testify during the proceedings;

(j)

to be informed in advance of the evidence the prosecution intends to rely on, and to have reasonable access to thatevidence;

(k)

to adduce and challenge evidence;

(l)

to refuse to give self-incriminating evidence;

(m)

to have the assistance of an interpreter without payment
if the accused person cannot understand the language used
at the trial;

(n)

not to be convicted for an act or omission that at the time it
was committed or omitted was not—

(i)

an offence in Kenya; or

(ii)

a crime under international law;

(o)

not to be tried for an offence in respect of an act or omission
for which the accused person has previously been either
acquitted or convicted;

(p)

to the benefit of the least severe of the prescribed punishments
for an offence, if the prescribed punishment for the offence
has been changed between the time that the offence was
committed and the time of sentencing; and

(q)

if convicted, to appeal to, or apply for review by, a higher
court as prescribed by law.

(3)

If this Article requires information to be given to a person, the information shall be given in language that the person understands.

(4)

Evidence obtained in a manner that violates any right orfundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights shall be excluded if theadmission of that evidence would render the trial unfair, or wouldotherwise be detrimental to the administration of justice.

(5)

An accused person—

(a)

charged with an offence, other than an offence that the
court may try by summary procedures, is entitled during the
trial to a copy of the record of the proceedings of the trial
on request; and

(b)

has the right to a copy of the record of the proceedings within
a reasonable period after they are concluded, in return for a
reasonable fee as prescribed by law.

(6)A person who is convicted of a criminal offence may petition the High Court for a new trial if––

(a) the person’s appeal, if any, has been dismissed by the highest

Rights of personsdetained, heldin custody orimprisoned.

Interpretation of thisPart.

Children.

court to which the person is entitled to appeal, or the person did not appeal within the time allowed for appeal; and

(b) new and compelling evidence has become available.

(7)

In the interest of justice, a court may allow an intermediary to assist a complainant or an accused person to communicate with the court.

(8)

This Article does not prevent the exclusion of the press or other members of the public from any proceedings if the exclusionis necessary, in a free and democratic society, to protect witnesses or vulnerable persons, morality, public order or national security.

(9)

Parliament shall enact legislation providing for the protection,rights and welfare of victims of offences.

51. (1) A person who is detained, held in custody or imprisoned under the law, retains all the rights and fundamental freedoms in the Billof Rights, except to the extent that any particular right or a fundamental freedom is clearly incompatible with the fact that the person is detained,held in custody or imprisoned.

(2) A person who is detained or held in custody is entitled to petition for an order of habeas corpus.

(3)

Parliament shall enact legislation that––

(a)

provides for the humane treatment of persons detained, held
in custody or imprisoned; and

(b)

takes into account the relevant international human rights
instruments.

Part 3––sPecific aPPlication of riGhts

52. (1) This Part elaborates certain rights to ensure greatercertainty as to the application of those rights and fundamental freedomsto certain groups of persons.

(2) This Part shall not be construed as limiting or qualifying any right.

53. (1) Every child has the right––

(a)

to a name and nationality from birth;

(b)

to free and compulsory basic education;

(c)

to basic nutrition, shelter and health care;

(d)

to be protected from abuse, neglect, harmful culturalpractices, all forms of violence, inhuman treatment andpunishment, and hazardous or exploitative labour;

(e)

to parental care and protection, which includes equalresponsibility of the mother and father to provide for thechild, whether they are married to each other or not; and

(f)

not to be detained, except as a measure of last resort, and when detained, to be held –

(i)

for the shortest appropriate period of time; and

(ii)

separate from adults and in conditions that take account of the child’s sex and age.

(2)

A child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.

54. (1) A person with any disability is entitled––

(a)

to be treated with dignity and respect and to be addressed and referred to in a manner that is not demeaning;

(b)

to access educational institutions and facilities for persons with disabilities that are integrated into society to the extent compatible with the interests of the person;

(c)

to reasonable access to all places, public transport and
information;

(d)

to use Sign language, Braille or other appropriate means of communication; and

(e)

to access materials and devices to overcome constraintsarising from the person’s disability.

(2)

The State shall ensure the progressive implementation of the

principle that at least five percent of the members of the public in elective

and appointive bodies are persons with disabilities.

55. The State shall take measures, including affirmative action

programmes, to ensure that the youth—

Persons with disabilities.

Youth.

Minorities and marginalised groups.

Older members of society.

State of emergency.

(a)

access relevant education and training;

(b)

have opportunities to associate, be represented andparticipate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life;

(c)

access employment; and

(d)

are protected from harmful cultural practices and
exploitation.

56. The State shall put in place affirmative action programmes

designed to ensure that minorities and marginalised groups—

(a)

participate and are represented in governance and otherspheres of life;

(b)

are provided special opportunities in educational and

economic fields;

(c)

are provided special opportunities for access toemployment;

(d)

develop their cultural values, languages and practices;and

(e)

have reasonable access to water, health services andinfrastructure.

57. The State shall take measures to ensure the rights of older persons––

(a)

to fully participate in the affairs of society;

(b)

to pursue their personal development;

(c)

to live in dignity and respect and be free from abuse; and

(d)

to receive reasonable care and assistance from their family and the State.

Part 4––state of emerGency

58. (1) A state of emergency may be declared only under Article 132 (4) (d) and only when––

(a) the State is threatened by war, invasion, general insurrection,

disorder, natural disaster or other public emergency; and

(b)

the declaration is necessary to meet the circumstances for
which the emergency is declared.

(2)

A declaration of a state of emergency, and any legislation enacted or other action taken in consequence of the declaration, shall be effective only—

(a)

prospectively; and

(b)

for not longer than fourteen days from the date of the
declaration, unless the National Assembly resolves to extend
the declaration.

(3)

The National Assembly may extend a declaration of a state of emergency—

(a)

by resolution adopted—

(i)

following a public debate in the National Assembly;
and

(ii) by the majorities specified in clause (4); and

(b) for not longer than two months at a time.

(4) The first extension of the declaration of a state of emergency requires a supporting vote of at least two-thirds of all the membersof the National Assembly, and any subsequent extension requires asupporting vote of at least three-quarters of all the members of theNational Assembly.

(5)The Supreme Court may decide on the validity of—

(a)

a declaration of a state of emergency;

(b)

any extension of a declaration of a state of emergency;
and

(c)

any legislation enacted, or other action taken, in consequence
of a declaration of a state of emergency.

(6)

Any legislation enacted in consequence of a declaration of a state of emergency––

(a)

may limit a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of

Kenya NationalHuman Rightsand EqualityCommission.

Rights only to the extent that—

(i)

the limitation is strictly required by the emergency;and

(ii)

the legislation is consistent with the Republic’s obligations under international law applicable to a state ofemergency; and

(b)

shall not take effect until it is published in the Gazette.

(7)A declaration of a state of emergency, or legislation enacted orother action taken in consequence of any declaration, may not permit or

authorise the indemnification of the State, or of any person, in respect

of any unlawful act or omission.

Part 5––Kenya national human riGhts and equality commission

59. (1) There is established the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commission.

(2)

The functions of the Commission are—

(a)

to promote respect for human rights and develop a culture of human rights in the Republic;

(b)

to promote gender equality and equity generally and tocoordinate and facilitate gender mainstreaming in national development;

(c)

to promote the protection, and observance of human rights in public and private institutions;

(d)

to monitor, investigate and report on the observance ofhuman rights in all spheres of life in the Republic, including observance by the national security organs;

(e)

to receive and investigate complaints about alleged abuses of human rights and take steps to secure appropriate redress where human rights have been violated;

(f)

on its own initiative or on the basis of complaints, toinvestigate or research a matter in respect of human rights, and make recommendations to improve the functioning of State organs;

(g)

to act as the principal organ of the State in ensuring
compliance with obligations under treaties and conventions
relating to human rights;

(h)

to investigate any conduct in state affairs, or any act
or omission in public administration in any sphere of
government, that is alleged or suspected to be prejudicial or
improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice;

(i)

to investigate complaints of abuse of power, unfair treatment,
manifest injustice or unlawful, oppressive, unfair or

unresponsive official conduct;

(j)

to report on complaints investigated under paragraphs (h)
and (i) and take remedial action; and

(k)

to perform any other functions prescribed by legislation.

(3)

Every person has the right to complain to the Commission, alleging that a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights has been denied, violated or infringed, or is threatened.

(4)

Parliament shall enact legislation to give full effect to this Part,and any such legislation may restructure the Commission into two or more separate commissions.

(5)

If Parliament enacts legislation restructuring the Commission under clause (4)––

(a)

that legislation shall assign each function of the Commission
mentioned in this Article to one or the other of the successor
commissions;

(b)

each of the successor commissions shall have powers
equivalent to the powers of the Commission under this
Article; and

(c)

each successor commission shall be a commission within
the meaning of Chapter Fifteen, and shall have the status and
powers of a commission under that Chapter.

CHAPTER FIVE––LAND AND ENVIRONMENT

Part 1—land

60. (1) Land in Kenya shall be held, used and managed in aPrinciples of landmanner that is equitable, efficient, productive and sustainable, and in policy.

accordance with the following principles—

(a)

equitable access to land;

(b)

security of land rights;

(c)

sustainable and productive management of landresources;

(d)

transparent and cost effective administration of land;

(e)

sound conservation and protection of ecologically sensitive areas;

(f)

elimination of gender discrimination in law, customs and practices related to land and property in land; and

(g)

encouragement of communities to settle land disputesthrough recognised local community initiatives consistent with this Constitution.

(2) These principles shall be implemented through a national landpolicy developed and reviewed regularly by the national government and through legislation.

Classification of land. 61. (1) All land in Kenya belongs to the people of Kenyacollectively as a nation, as communities and as individuals.

(2) Land in Kenya is classified as public, community or private.

Public land.

62. (1) Public land is—

(a) land which at the effective date was unalienated government

land as defined by an Act of Parliament in force at the

effective date;

(b)

land lawfully held, used or occupied by any State organ, except any such land that is occupied by the State organ as lessee under a private lease;

(c)

land transferred to the State by way of sale, reversion or surrender;

(d)

land in respect of which no individual or communityownership can be established by any legal process;

(e) land in respect of which no heir can be identified by any

legal process;

(f) all minerals and mineral oils as defined by law;

(g)

government forests other than forests to which Article 63 (2)

(d)

(i) applies, government game reserves, water catchment areas, national parks, government animal sanctuaries, and specially protected areas;

(h)

all roads and thoroughfares provided for by an Act of Parliament;

(i) all rivers, lakes and other water bodies as defined by an Act of Parliament;

(j)

the territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone and the sea bed;

(k)

the continental shelf;

(l)

all land between the high and low water marks;

(m) any land not classified as private or community land under this Constitution; and

(n)

any other land declared to be public land by an Act ofParliament—

(i)

in force at the effective date; or

(ii)

enacted after the effective date.

(2)

Public land shall vest in and be held by a county governmentin trust for the people resident in the county, and shall be administered

on their behalf by the National Land Commission, if it is classified

under—

(a)

clause (1) (a), (c), (d) or (e); and

(b)

clause (1) (b), other than land held, used or occupied by a national State organ.

(3)

Public land classified under clause (1) (f) to (m) shall vestin and be held by the national government in trust for the people of Kenya and shall be administered on their behalf by the National Land Commission.

Community land.

Private land.

(4) Public land shall not be disposed of or otherwise used except in terms of an Act of Parliament specifying the nature and terms of that disposal or use.

63. (1) Community land shall vest in and be held by communities

identified on the basis of ethnicity, culture or similar community of

interest.

(2)

Community land consists of—

(a)

land lawfully registered in the name of group representatives
under the provisions of any law;

(b) land lawfully transferred to a specific community by any
process of law;

(c)

any other land declared to be community land by an Act of
Parliament; and

(d)

land that is—

(i) lawfully held, managed or used by specific communities

as community forests, grazing areas or shrines;

(ii) ancestral lands and lands traditionally occupied byhunter-gatherer communities; or

(iii) lawfully held as trust land by the county governments,

but not including any public land held in trust by the countygovernment under Article 62 (2).

(3)

Any unregistered community land shall be held in trust by county governments on behalf of the communities for which it isheld.

(4)

Community land shall not be disposed of or otherwise used except in terms of legislation specifying the nature and extent of the rights of members of each community individually and collectively.

(5)

Parliament shall enact legislation to give effect to thisArticle.

64. Private land consists of —

(a)

registered land held by any person under any freehold
tenure;

(b)

land held by any person under leasehold tenure; and

(c)

any other land declared private land under an Act ofParliament.

65. (1) A person who is not a citizen may hold land on the basis of leasehold tenure only, and any such lease, however granted, shall not exceed ninety-nine years.

(2)

If a provision of any agreement, deed, conveyance or documentof whatever nature purports to confer on a person who is not a citizen aninterest in land greater than a ninety-nine year lease, the provision shall be regarded as conferring on the person a ninety-nine year leasehold interest, and no more.

(3)

For purposes of this Article—

(a)

a body corporate shall be regarded as a citizen only if the body corporate is wholly owned by one or more citizens; and

(b)

property held in trust shall be regarded as being held by a

citizen only if all of the beneficial interest of the trust is held

by persons who are citizens.

(4) Parliament may enact legislation to make further provision for the operation of this Article.

66. (1) The State may regulate the use of any land, or any interest in or right over any land, in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, or land use planning.

(2) Parliament shall enact legislation ensuring that investments

in property benefit local communities and their economies.

67. (1) There is established the National Land Commission.

(2)

The functions of the National Land Commission are—

(a)

to manage public land on behalf of the national and county governments;

(b)

to recommend a national land policy to the nationalgovernment;

(c)

to advise the national government on a comprehensive

Landholding bynon-citizens.

Regulation of landuse and property.

National Land Commission.

programme for the registration of title in land throughout Kenya;

(d)

to conduct research related to land and the use of natural resources, and make recommendations to appropriateauthorities;

(e)

to initiate investigations, on its own initiative or on acomplaint, into present or historical land injustices, andrecommend appropriate redress;

(f)

to encourage the application of traditional dispute resolution

mechanisms in land conflicts;

(g)

to assess tax on land and premiums on immovable property in any area designated by law; and

(h)

to monitor and have oversight responsibilities over land useplanning throughout the country.

(3) The National Land Commission may perform any otherfunctions prescribed by national legislation.

68. Parliament shall—

Legislation on land.

(a)

revise, consolidate and rationalise existing land laws;

(b)

revise sectoral land use laws in accordance with theprinciples set out in Article 60 (1); and

(c)

enact legislation—

(i)

to prescribe minimum and maximum land holding acreages in respect of private land;

(ii)

to regulate the manner in which any land may be converted from one category to another;

(iii) to regulate the recognition and protection of matrimonialproperty and in particular the matrimonial home during and on the termination of marriage;

(iv)

to protect, conserve and provide access to all publicland;

(v)

to enable the review of all grants or dispositions of publicland to establish their propriety or legality;

(vi)

to protect the dependants of deceased persons holding interests in any land, including the interests of spousesin actual occupation of land; and

(vii) to provide for any other matter necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Chapter.

Part 2—environment and natural resources

69. (1) The State shall—

(a) ensure sustainable exploitation, utilisation, management and
conservation of the environment and natural resources, and

ensure the equitable sharing of the accruing benefits;

(b)

work to achieve and maintain a tree cover of at least ten per
cent of the land area of Kenya;

(c)

protect and enhance intellectual property in, and indigenousknowledge of, biodiversity and the genetic resources of the communities;

(d)

encourage public participation in the management,protection and conservation of the environment;

(e)

protect genetic resources and biological diversity;

(f)

establish systems of environmental impact assessment,environmental audit and monitoring of the environment;

(g)

eliminate processes and activities that are likely to endanger
the environment; and

(h) utilise the environment and natural resources for the benefit
of the people of Kenya.

(2) Every person has a duty to cooperate with State organs and other persons to protect and conserve the environment and ensureecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources.

70. (1) If a person alleges that a right to a clean and healthyenvironment recognised and protected under Article 42 has been, is being or is likely to be, denied, violated, infringed or threatened, the person may apply to a court for redress in addition to any other legal remedies that are available in respect to the same matter.

Obligations in respectof the environment.

Enforcement of environmental rights.

(2)

On application under clause (1), the court may make any order,or give any directions, it considers appropriate––

(a)

to prevent, stop or discontinue any act or omission that is harmful to the environment;

(b)

to compel any public officer to take measures to prevent or discontinue any act or omission that is harmful to theenvironment; or

(c)

to provide compensation for any victim of a violation of the right to a clean and healthy environment.

(3)

For the purposes of this Article, an applicant does not have to demonstrate that any person has incurred loss or suffered injury.

Agreements relating 71. (1) A transaction is subject to ratification by Parliament if to natural resources. it––

(a)

involves the grant of a right or concession by or on behalfof any person, including the national government, to anotherperson 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).

^{Legislation relating} 72. Parliament shall enact legislation to give full effect to the

to the environment.

provisions of this Part.

CHAPTER SIX––LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY

Responsibilities of 73. (1) Authority assigned to a State officer— leadership.

(a)

is a public trust to be exercised in a manner that—

(i)

is consistent with the purposes and objects of this Constitution;

(ii)

demonstrates respect for the people;

(iii) brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office;

and

(iv) promotes public confidence in the integrity of the

office; and

49
(b) vests in the State officer the responsibility to serve thepeople, rather than the power to rule them.
(2) The guiding principles of leadership and integrity include—
(a) selection on the basis of personal integrity, competence and suitability, or election in free and fair elections;
(b) objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and inensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism,favouritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices;
(c) selfless service based solely on the public interest,demonstrated by—
(i) honesty in the execution of public duties; and
(ii) the declaration of any personal interest that may conflict with public duties;
(d) accountability to the public for decisions and actions; and
(e) discipline and commitment in service to the people.
74. Before assuming a State office, acting in a State office, or performing any functions of a State office, a person shall take andsubscribe the oath or affirmation of office, in the manner and formprescribed by the Third Schedule or under an Act of Parliament.	Oath of office of State officers.
75. (1) A State officer shall behave, whether in public and official life, in private life, or in association with other persons, in a manner that avoids—	Conduct of State officers.
(a) any conflict between personal interests and public or officialduties;
(b) compromising any public or official interest in favour of a personal interest; or
(c) demeaning the office the officer holds.
(2) A person who contravenes clause (1), or Article 76, 77 or 78 (2)—
(a) shall be subject to the applicable disciplinary procedure for the relevant office; and

Financial probity of

State officers.

Restriction on activities of State

officers.

Citizenship andleadership.

(b) may, in accordance with the disciplinary procedure referredto in paragraph (a), be dismissed or otherwise removed from

office.

(3) A person who has been dismissed or otherwise removed from office for a contravention of the provisions mentioned in clause (2) is disqualified from holding any other State office.

76. (1) A gift or donation to a State officer on a public or official occasion is a gift or donation to the Republic and shall be delivered to the State unless exempted under an Act of Parliament.

(2) A State officer shall not—

(a) maintain a bank account outside Kenya except in accordance
with an Act of Parliament; or

(b) seek or accept a personal loan or benefit in circumstances that compromise the integrity of the State officer.

77. (1) A full-time State officer shall not participate in any other

gainful employment.

(2) Any appointed State officer shall not hold office in a political

party.

(3) A retired State officer who is receiving a pension from public funds shall not hold more than two concurrent remunerative positions as chairperson, director or employee of—

(a)

a company owned or controlled by the State; or

(b)

a State organ.

(4) A retired State officer shall not receive remuneration from

public funds other than as contemplated in clause (3).

78. (1) A person is not eligible for election or appointment to a

State office unless the person is a citizen of Kenya.

(2) A State officer or a member of the defence forces shall not

hold dual citizenship.

(3)

Clauses (1) and (2) do not apply to—

(a)

judges and members of commissions; or

(b)

any person who has been made a citizen of another country by operation of that country’s law, without ability to optout.

1. Parliament shall enact legislation to establish an independent ethics and anti-corruption commission, which shall be and have the status and powers of a commission under Chapter Fifteen, for purposesof ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the provisions of this Chapter.
2. Parliament shall enact legislation—

(a)

establishing procedures and mechanisms for the effective administration of this Chapter;

(b)

prescribing the penalties, in addition to the penalties referredto in Article 75, that may be imposed for a contravention of this Chapter;

(c)

providing for the application of this Chapter, with the

necessary modifications, to public officers; and

(d) making any other provision necessary for ensuring thepromotion of the principles of leadership and integritymentioned in this Chapter, and the enforcement of thisChapter.

CHAPTER SEVEN––REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE

Part 1––electoral system and Process

81. The electoral system shall comply with the followingprinciples––

(a)

freedom of citizens to exercise their political rights under Article 38;

(b)

not more than two-thirds of the members of elective public bodies shall be of the same gender;

(c)

fair representation of persons with disabilities;

(d)

universal suffrage based on the aspiration for fairrepresentation and equality of vote; and

(e)

free and fair elections, which are—

Legislation toestablish the ethics and anti-corruptioncommission.

Legislation onleadership.

General principlesfor the electoral system.

Legislation onelections.

(i) by secret ballot;

(ii) free from violence, intimidation, improper influence or

corruption;

(iii) conducted by an independent body;

(iv) transparent; and

(v) administered in an impartial, neutral, efficient, accurate

and accountable manner.

82. (1) Parliament shall enact legislation to provide for—

(a)

the delimitation by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries
Commission of electoral units for election of members of the
National Assembly and county assemblies;

(b)

the nomination of candidates;

(c)

the continuous registration of citizens as voters;

(d)

the conduct of elections and referenda and the regulation

and efficient supervision of elections and referenda, including

the nomination of candidates for elections; and

(e) the progressive registration of citizens residing outsideKenya, and the progressive realisation of their right tovote.

(2) Legislation required by clause (1) (d) shall ensure that voting at every election is—

(a)

simple;

(b)

transparent; and

(c)

takes into account the special needs of—

(i)

persons with disabilities; and

(ii)

other persons or groups with special needs.

Registration as a 83. (1) A person qualifies for registration as a voter at elections voter or referenda if the person—

(a)

is an adult citizen;

(b)

is not declared to be of unsound mind; and

(c)

has not been convicted of an election offence during the

preceding five years.

(2) A citizen who qualifies for registration as a voter shall be

registered at only one registration centre.

(3) Administrative arrangements for the registration of voters andthe conduct of elections shall be designed to facilitate, and shall not deny, an eligible citizen the right to vote or stand for election.

1. In every election, all candidates and all political parties shall comply with the code of conduct prescribed by the Independent Electoraland Boundaries Commission.
2. Any person is eligible to stand as an independent candidate for election if the person––

(a) is not a member of a registered political party and has not been a member for at least three months immediately before the date of the election; and

(b) satisfies the requirements of––

(i)

Article 99 (1) (c) (i) or (ii), in the case of a candidatefor election to the National Assembly or the Senate,respectively; or

(ii)

Article 193 (1) (c) (ii), in the case of a candidate for election to a county assembly.

86. At every election, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission shall ensure that—

(a)

whatever voting method is used, the system is simple,

(b)

the votes cast are counted, tabulated and the results

accurate, verifiable, secure, accountable and transparent;

announced promptly by the presiding officer at each polling

station;

(c) the results from the polling stations are openly and accurately

collated and promptly announced by the returning officer;

and

Candidates for election and politicalparties to complywith code of conduct.

Eligibility to standas an independentcandidate.

Voting.

Electoral disputes.

Independent Electoraland Boundaries Commission.

(d) appropriate structures and mechanisms to eliminate electoralmalpractice are put in place, including the safekeeping of election materials.

87. (1) Parliament shall enact legislation to establish mechanismsfor timely settling of electoral disputes.

(2) Petitions concerning an election, other than a presidential

election, shall be filed within twenty-eight days after the declaration

of the election results by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

(3) Service of a petition may be direct or by advertisement in a newspaper with national circulation.

Part 2—indePendent electoral and Boundaries commission and delimitation of electoral units

88. (1) There is established the Independent Electoral andBoundaries Commission.

(2) A person is not eligible for appointment as a member of the Commission if the person—

(a) has, at any time within the preceding five years, held office, or stood for election as—

(i)

a member of Parliament or of a county assembly; or

(ii)

a member of the governing body of a political party; or

(b) holds any State office.

(3)

A member of the Commission shall not hold another public

(4)

The Commission is responsible for conducting or supervising

office.

referenda and elections to any elective body or office established by

this Constitution, and any other elections as prescribed by an Act of Parliament and, in particular, for—

(a)

the continuous registration of citizens as voters;

(b)

the regular revision of the voters’ roll;

(c)

the delimitation of constituencies and wards;

(d)

the regulation of the process by which parties nominate
candidates for elections;

(e)

the settlement of electoral disputes, including disputes
relating to or arising from nominations but excluding
election petitions and disputes subsequent to the declaration
of election results;

(f)

the registration of candidates for election;

(g)

voter education;

(h)

the facilitation of the observation, monitoring and evaluation
of elections;

(i)

the regulation of the amount of money that may be spent by or
on behalf of a candidate or party in respect of any election;

(j)

the development of a code of conduct for candidates and
parties contesting elections; and

(k)

the monitoring of compliance with the legislation required
by Article 82 (1) (b) relating to nomination of candidates
by parties.

(5)

The Commission shall exercise its powers and performits functions in accordance with this Constitution and national legislation.

89. (1) There shall be two hundred and ninety constituencies for Delimitation of the purposes of the election of the members of the National Assembly electoral units. provided for in Article 97 (1) (a).

(2) The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission shallreview the names and boundaries of constituencies at intervals of not less than eight years, and not more than twelve years, but any reviewshall be completed at least twelve months before a general election of members of Parliament.

(3)The Commission shall review the number, names andboundaries of wards periodically.

(4) If a general election is to be held within twelve months after the completion of a review by the Commission, the new boundaries shall not take effect for purposes of that election.

(5)

The boundaries of each constituency shall be such that thenumber of inhabitants in the constituency is, as nearly as possible, equalto the population quota, but the number of inhabitants of a constituency may be greater or lesser than the population quota in the mannermentioned in clause (6) to take account of—

(a)

geographical features and urban centres;

(b)

community of interest, historical, economic and cultural ties; and

(c)

means of communication.

(6)

The number of inhabitants of a constituency or ward may be greater or lesser than the population quota by a margin of not more than—

(a)

forty per cent for cities and sparsely populated areas; and

(b)

thirty per cent for the other areas.

(7)

In reviewing constituency and ward boundaries theCommission shall––

(a)

consult all interested parties; and

(b)

progressively work towards ensuring that the number ofinhabitants in each constituency and ward is, as nearly as possible, equal to the population quota.

(8)

If necessary, the Commission shall alter the names andboundaries of constituencies, and the number, names and boundaries of wards.

(9)

Subject to clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4), the names and detailsof the boundaries of constituencies and wards determined by theCommission shall be published in the Gazette, and shall come into effecton the dissolution of Parliament first following their publication.

(10)

A person may apply to the High Court for review of a decisionof the Commission made under this Article.

(11) An application for the review of a decision made under this

Article shall be filed within thirty days of the publication of the decision

in the Gazette and shall be heard and determined within three months

of the date on which it is filed.

(12) For the purposes of this Article, “population quota” means the number obtained by dividing the number of inhabitants of Kenya by the number of constituencies or wards, as applicable, into which Kenya is divided under this Article.

90. (1) Elections for the seats in Parliament provided for under Articles 97(1) (c) and 98 (1) (b), (c) and (d), and for the members of county assemblies under 177 (1) (b) and (c), shall be on the basis ofproportional representation by use of party lists.

(2)

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission shallbe responsible for the conduct and supervision of elections for seats provided for under clause (1) and shall ensure that—

(a)

each political party participating in a general election
nominates and submits a list of all the persons who would
stand elected if the party were to be entitled to all the seats
provided for under clause (1), within the time prescribed by
national legislation;

(b)

except in the case of the seats provided for under Article 98

(1)

(b), each party list comprises the appropriate number of

qualified candidates and alternates between male and female

candidates in the priority in which they are listed; and

(c) except in the case of county assembly seats, each party list

reflects the regional and ethnic diversity of the people of

Kenya.

(3) The seats mentioned in clause (1) shall be allocated to politicalparties in proportion to the total number of seats won by candidates of the political party at the general election.

Part 3—Political Parties

91. (1) Every political party shall—

(a)

have a national character as prescribed by an Act ofParliament;

(b)

have a democratically elected governing body;

(c)

promote and uphold national unity;

(d)

abide by the democratic principles of good governance,
promote and practise democracy through regular, fair and

Allocation of partylist seats.

Basic requirementsfor political parties.

Legislation onpolitical parties.

free elections within the party;

(e)

respect the right of all persons to participate in the political process, including minorities and marginalised groups;

(f)

respect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms,and gender equality and equity;

(g)

promote the objects and principles of this Constitution and the rule of law; and

(h)

subscribe to and observe the code of conduct for political parties.

(2)

A political party shall not—

(a)

be founded on a religious, linguistic, racial, ethnic, gender or regional basis or seek to engage in advocacy of hatred on any such basis;

(b)

engage in or encourage violence by, or intimidation of, its members, supporters, opponents or any other person;

(c)

establish or maintain a paramilitary force, militia or similar organisation;

(d)

engage in bribery or other forms of corruption; or

(e)

except as is provided under this Chapter or by an Act of Parliament, accept or use public resources to promote its interests or its candidates in elections.

92. Parliament shall enact legislation to provide for—

(a)

the reasonable and equitable allocation of airtime, by State-owned and other mentioned categories of broadcastingmedia, to political parties either generally or during election campaigns;

(b)

the regulation of freedom to broadcast in order to ensure fair election campaigning;

(c)

the regulation of political parties;

(d)

the roles and functions of political parties;

(e)

the registration and supervision of political parties;

(f)

the establishment and management of a political parties
fund;

(g)

the accounts and audit of political parties;

(h)

restrictions on the use of public resources to promote the
interests of political parties; and

(i)

any other matters necessary for the management of politcal
parties.

CHAPTER EIGHT––THE LEGISLATURE

Part 1—estaBlishment and role of Parliament

93. (1) There is established a Parliament of Kenya, which shall Establishment of consist of the National Assembly and the Senate. Parliament.

(2) The National Assembly and the Senate shall perform their respective functions in accordance with this Constitution.

94. (1) The legislative authority of the Republic is derived from

Role of Parliament.

the people and, at the national level, is vested in and exercised byParliament.

(2)

Parliament manifests the diversity of the nation, represents the will of the people, and exercises their sovereignty.

(3)

Parliament may consider and pass amendments to thisConstitution, and alter county boundaries as provided for in thisConstitution.

(4)

Parliament shall protect this Constitution and promote the democratic governance of the Republic.

(5)

No person or body, other than Parliament, has the power tomake provision having the force of law in Kenya except under authorityconferred by this Constitution or by legislation.

(6)

An Act of Parliament, or legislation of a county, that confers on

any State organ, State officer or person the authority to make provision

having the force of law in Kenya, as contemplated in clause (5), shall expressly specify the purpose and objectives for which that authority is conferred, the limits of the authority, the nature and scope of the law that may be made, and the principles and standards applicable to the law made under the authority.

Role of the National Assembly.

Role of the Senate.

95. (1) The National Assembly represents the people of theconstituencies 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 nationalgovernment and other national State organs; and

(c)

exercises oversight over national revenue and its
expediture.

(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 andextensions of states of emergency.

96. (1) The Senate represents the counties, and serves to protect the interests of the counties and their governments.

(2)The Senate participates in the law-making function ofParliament by considering, debating and approving Bills concerning counties, as provided in Articles 109 to 113.

(3)The Senate determines the allocation of national revenueamong counties, as provided in Article 217, and exercises oversight over national revenue allocated to the county governments.

(4)The Senate participates in the oversight of State officers by

considering and determining any resolution to remove the President or

Deputy President from office in accordance with Article 145.

Part 2—comPosition and memBershiP of Parliament

97. (1) The National Assembly consists of—

(a)

two hundred and ninety members, each elected by theregistered voters of single member constituencies;

(b)

forty-seven women, each elected by the registered voters of the counties, each county constituting a single member constituency;

(c)

twelve members nominated by parliamentary politicalparties according to their proportion of members of theNational Assembly in accordance with Article 90, torepresent special interests including the youth, persons with disabilities and workers; and

(d)

the Speaker, who is an ex officio member.

(2)

Nothing in this Article shall be construed as excluding any person from contesting an election under clause (1) (a).

98. (1) The Senate consists of—

(a)

forty-seven members each elected by the registered voters of the counties, each county constituting a single member constituency;

(b)

sixteen women members who shall be nominated bypolitical parties according to their proportion of members of the Senate elected under clause (a) in accordance with Article 90;

(c)

two members, being one man and one woman, representing the youth;

(d)

two members, being one man and one woman, representing persons with disabilities; and

(e)

the Speaker, who shall be an ex officio member.

(2)

The members referred to in clause (1) (c) and (d) shall be elected in accordance with Article 90.

(3)

Nothing in this Article shall be construed as excluding any person from contesting an election under clause (1) (a).

Membership of theNational Assembly.

Membership of theSenate.

Qualifications anddisqualifications for

election as member of Parliament.

99. (1) Unless disqualified under clause (2), a person is eligible

for election as a member of Parliament if the person—

(a)

is registered as a voter;

(b)

satisfies any educational, moral and ethical requirements
prescribed by this Constitution or by an Act of Parliament;
and

(c)

is nominated by a political party, or is an independent
candidate who is supported––

(i)

in the case of election to the National Assembly, by at least one thousand registered voters in the constituency; or

(ii)

in the case of election to the Senate, by at least twothousand registered voters in the county.

(2) A person is disqualified from being elected a member of

Parliament if the person—

(a) is a State officer or other public officer, other than a member
of Parliament;

(b) has, at any time within the five years immediately

preceding the date of election, held office as a member of the

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission;

(c)

has not been a citizen of Kenya for at least the ten years
immediately preceding the date of election;

(d)

is a member of a county assembly;

(e)

is of unsound mind;

(f)

is an undischarged bankrupt;

(g)

is subject to a sentence of imprisonment of at least six
months, as at the date of registration as a candidate, or at
the date of election; or

(h)

is found, in accordance with any law, to have misused or

abused a State office or public office or in any way to have

contravened Chapter Six.

(3) A person is not disqualified under clause (2) unless allpossibility of appeal or review of the relevant sentence or decision has been exhausted.

100. Parliament shall enact legislation to promote the representationin Parliament of—

(a)

women;

(b)

persons with disabilities;

(c)

youth;

(d)

ethnic and other minorities; and

(e)

marginalised communities.

101. (1) A general election of members of Parliament shall be

held on the second Tuesday in August in every fifth year.

(2) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of a member of the National Assembly under Article 97 (1) (c), or of the Senate underArticle 98 (1) (b), (c) or (d), the respective Speaker shall, within twenty-one days of the occurrence of the vacancy, give notice in writing of the vacancy to—

(a)

the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission;
and

(b)

the political party on whose party list the member was
elected or nominated.

(3) A vacancy mentioned in clause (2) shall, subject to clause (5), be filled in the manner prescribed by an Act of Parliament within twenty-one days of the notification by the respective Speaker.

(4) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of a member of the National Assembly elected under Article 97 (1) (a) or (b), or of theSenate elected under Article 98 (1) (a)—

(a)

the respective Speaker shall, within twenty-one days after the occurrence of the vacancy, give notice in writing ofthe vacancy to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission; and

(b)

a by-election shall be held within ninety days of the
occurrence of the vacancy, subject to clause (5).

Promotion of representation ofmarginalised groups.

Election of members of Parliament.

Term of Parliament.

Vacation of office

of member of Parliament.

(5) A vacancy referred to in clause (4) shall not be filled within

the three months immediately before a general election.

102. (1) The term of each House of Parliament expires on the dateof the next general election.

(2) When Kenya is at war, Parliament may, by resolutionsupported in each House by at least two-thirds of all the members of theHouse, from time to time extend the term of Parliament by not more than six months at a time.

(3)The term of Parliament shall not be extended under clause (2) for a total of more than twelve months.

103. (1) The office of a member of Parliament becomes vacant—

(a)

if the member dies;

(b)

if, during any session of Parliament, the member is
absent from eight sittings of the relevant House without
permission, in writing, from the Speaker, and is unable to
offer a satisfactory explanation for the absence to the relevant
committee;

(c) if the member is otherwise removed from office under this
Constitution or legislation enacted under Article 80;

(d)

if the member resigns from Parliament in writing to the
Speaker;

(e)

if, having been elected to Parliament––

(i)

as a member of a political party, the member resignsfrom that party or is deemed to have resigned from theparty as determined in accordance with the legislation contemplated in clause (2); or

(ii)

as an independent candidate, the member joins a politicalparty;

(f)

at the end of the term of the relevant House; or

(g)

if the member becomes disqualified for election toParliament under Article 99 (2) (d) to (h).

(3)

Parliament shall enact legislation providing for thecircumstances under which a member of a political party shall bedeemed, for the purposes of clause (1) (e), to have resigned from the party.

104. (1) The electorate under Articles 97 and 98 have the right to recall the member of Parliament representing their constituency before the end of the term of the relevant House of Parliament.

(2) Parliament shall enact legislation to provide for the grounds onwhich a member may be recalled and the procedure to be followed.

105. (1) The High Court shall hear and determine any question whether—

(a)

a person has been validly elected as a member of Parliament;
or

(b)

the seat of a member has become vacant.

(2)

A question under clause (1) shall be heard and determined within six months of the date of lodging the petition.

(3)

Parliament shall enact legislation to give full effect to this Article.

Part 3—offices of Parliament

106. (1) There shall be—

(a) a Speaker for each House of Parliament, who shall be elected by that House in accordance with the Standing Orders, from

among persons who are qualified to be elected as members

of Parliament but are not such members; and

(b) a Deputy Speaker for each House of Parliament, who shall be elected by that House in accordance with the Standing Orders, from among the members of that House.

(2) The office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall become vacant—

(a) when a new House of Parliament first meets after anelection;

(b) if the office holder, as a member of the relevant House, vacates office under Article 103;

Right of recall.

Determination of questions ofmembership.

Speakers andDeputy Speakers ofParliament.

Presiding in
Parliament.

Party leaders.

Exercise of legislative powers.

(c) if the relevant House so resolves by resolution supported by
the votes of at least two-thirds of its members; or

(d) if the office holder resigns from office in a letter addressed
to the relevant House.

107. (1) At any sitting of a House of Parliament—

(a)

the Speaker presides;

(b)

in the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker presides;
and

(c)

in the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, another
member of the House elected by the House presides.

(2) At a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament, the Speaker of the National Assembly shall preside, assisted by the Speaker of the Senate.

108. (1) There shall be a leader of the majority party and a leader of the minority party.

(2)

The leader of the majority party shall be the person who is the leader in the National Assembly of the largest party or coalition of parties.

(3)

The leader of the minority party shall be the person whois the leader in the National Assembly of the second largest party or coalition of parties.

(4)

The following order of precedence shall be observed in the National Assembly––

(a)

the Speaker of the National Assembly;

(b)

the leader of the majority party; and

(c)

the leader of the minority party.

Part 4—Procedures for enactinG leGislation

109. (1) Parliament shall exercise its legislative power through Bills passed by Parliament and assented to by the President.

(2)

Any Bill may originate in the National Assembly.

(3)

A Bill not concerning county government is considered only in the National Assembly, and passed in accordance with Article 122 and the Standing Orders of the Assembly.

(4)

A Bill concerning county government may originate in the National Assembly or the Senate, and is passed in accordance with Articles 110 to 113, Articles 122 and 123 and the Standing Orders of the Houses.

(5)

A Bill may be introduced by any member or committee of the relevant House of Parliament, but a money Bill may be introduced only in the National Assembly in accordance with Article 114.

110. (1) In this Constitution, “a Bill concerning county

Bills concerninggovernment” means–– _{county government.}

(a)

a Bill containing provisions affecting the functions and
powers of the county governments set out in the Fourth
Schedule;

(b)

a Bill relating to the election of members of a county
assembly or a county executive; and

(c) a Bill referred to in Chapter Twelve affecting the finances
of county governments.

(2)

A Bill concerning county governments is––

(a)

a special Bill, which shall be considered under Article 111,
if it––

(i)

relates to the election of members of a county assembly
or a county executive; or

(ii)

is the annual County Allocation of Revenue Bill mentioned in Article 218; or

(b)

an ordinary Bill, which shall be considered under Article
112, in any other case.

(3)

Before either House considers a Bill, the Speakers of theNational Assembly and Senate shall jointly resolve any question as to whether it is a Bill concerning counties and, if it is, whether it is a special or an ordinary Bill.

(4)

When any Bill concerning county government has been passed

Special Billsconcerning countygovernments.

Ordinary Billsconcerning countygovernments.

Mediation committees.

by one House of Parliament, the Speaker of that House shall refer it to the Speaker of the other House.

(5) If both Houses pass the Bill in the same form, the Speaker ofthe House in which the Bill originated shall, within seven days, refer the Bill to the President for assent.

111. (1) A special Bill concerning a county government shallproceed in the same manner as an ordinary Bill concerning countygovernment, subject to clauses (2) and (3).

(2)

The National Assembly may amend or veto a special Bill that has been passed by the Senate only by a resolution supported by at least two-thirds of the members of the Assembly.

(3)

If a resolution in the National Assembly to amend or veto a special Bill fails to pass, the Speaker of the Assembly shall, within seven days, refer the Bill, in the form adopted by the Senate, to thePresident for assent.

112. (1) If one House passes an ordinary Bill concerning counties,and the second House––

(a)

rejects the Bill, it shall be referred to a mediation committeeappointed under Article 113; or

(b)

passes the Bill in an amended form, it shall be referred back
to the originating House for reconsideration.

(2) If, after the originating House has reconsidered a Bill referred back to it under clause (1) (b), that House––

(a)

passes the Bill as amended, the Speaker of that House
shall refer the Bill to the President within seven days for
assent; or

(b)

rejects the Bill as amended, the Bill shall be referred to a
mediation committee under Article 113.

113. (1) If a Bill is referred to a mediation committee under Article112, the Speakers of both Houses shall appoint a mediation committee consisting of equal numbers of members of each House to attempt to develop a version of the Bill that both Houses will pass.

(2) If the mediation committee agrees on a version of the Bill, each House shall vote to approve or reject that version of the Bill.

(3) If both Houses approve the version of the Bill proposed by the mediation committee, the Speaker of the National Assembly shall refer the Bill to the President within seven days for assent.

(4)If the mediation committee fails to agree on a version of the Bill within thirty days, or if a version proposed by the committee is rejected by either House, the Bill is defeated.

114. (1) A money Bill may not deal with any matter other than

those listed in the definition of “ a money Bill” in clause (3).

(2) If, in the opinion of the Speaker of the National Assembly,

a motion makes provision for a matter mentioned in the definition of

“a money Bill”, the Assembly may proceed only in accordance with the recommendation of the relevant Committee of the Assembly after taking into account the views of the Cabinet Secretary responsible for

finance.

(3) In this Constitution, “a money Bill” means a Bill, other than a

Bill specified in Article 218, that contains provisions dealing with—

(a)

taxes;

(b)

the imposition of charges on a public fund or the variation or repeal of any of those charges;

(c)

the appropriation, receipt, custody, investment or issue of public money;

(d)

the raising or guaranteeing of any loan or its repayment; or

(e)

matters incidental to any of those matters.

(4)

In clause (3), “tax”, “public money”, and “loan” do not includeany tax, public money or loan raised by a county.

115. (1) Within fourteen days after receipt of a Bill, the President shall—

(a)

assent to the Bill; or

(b)

refer the Bill back to Parliament for reconsideration byParliament, noting any reservations that the President has concerning the Bill.

(2)

If the President refers a Bill back for reconsideration, Parliamentmay, following the appropriate procedures under this Part—

Money Bills.

Presidential assent and referral.

Coming into forceof laws.

Powers, privilegesand immunities.

(a)

amend the Bill in light of the President’s reservations; or

(b)

pass the Bill a second time without amendment.

(3)

If Parliament amendeds the Bill fully accommodating thePresident’s reservations, the appropriate Speaker shall re-submit it to the President for assent.

(4)

Parliament, after considering the President’s reservations, maypass the Bill a second time, without amendment, or with amendments that do not fully accommodate the President’s reservations, by a vote supported—

(a)

by two-thirds of members of the National Assembly; and

(b)

two-thirds of the delegations in the Senate, if it is a Bill that
requires the approval of the Senate.

(5)

If Parliament has passed a Bill under clause (4)—

(a)

the appropriate Speaker shall within seven days re-submit
it to the President; and

(b)

the President shall within seven days assent to the Bill.

(6)

If the President does not assent to a Bill or refer it back within the period prescribed in clause (1), or assent to it under (5) (b), the Bill shall be taken to have been assented to on the expiry of that period.

116. (1) A Bill passed by Parliament and assented to by thePresident shall be published in the Gazette as an Act of Parliament within seven days after assent.

(2)

Subject to clause (3), an Act of Parliament comes into force on the fourteenth day after its publication in the Gazette, unless the Act stipulates a different date on or time at which it will come into force.

(3)

An Act of Parliament that confers a direct pecuniary interest on members of Parliament shall not come into force until after the next general election of members of Parliament.

(4)

Clause (3) does not apply to an interest that members ofParliament have as members of the public.

Part 5—Parliament’s General Procedures and rules

117. (1) There shall be freedom of speech and debate in Parliament.

(2) Parliament may, for the purpose of the orderly and effective discharge of the business of Parliament, provide for the powers,privileges and immunities of Parliament, its committees, the leader of the majority party, the leader of the minority party, the chairpersons of committees and members.

118. (1) Parliament shall—

(a)

conduct its business in an open manner, and its sittings and those of its committees shall be open to the public; and

(b)

facilitate public participation and involvement in thelegislative and other business of Parliament and itscommittees.

(2)

Parliament may not exclude the public, or any media, from any sitting unless in exceptional circumstances the relevant Speaker has

determined that there are justifiable reasons for the exclusion.

119. (1) Every person has a right to petition Parliament to considerany matter within its authority, including to enact, amend or repeal any legislation.

(2) Parliament shall make provision for the procedure for the exercise of this right.

120. (1) The official languages of Parliament shall be Kiswahili, English and Kenyan Sign language, and the business of Parliament maybe conducted in English, Kiswahili and Kenyan Sign language.

(2) In case of a conflict between different language versions of an

Act of Parliament, the version signed by the President shall prevail.

121. The quorum of Parliament shall be––

(a)

fifty members, in the case of the National Assembly; or

(b)

fifteen members, in the case of the Senate.

122. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, any question proposed for decision in either House of Parliament shall be determined by a majority of the members in that House, present and voting.

(2)

On a question proposed for decision in either House—

(a)

the Speaker has no vote; and

Public access and participation.

Right to petitionParliament.

Official languages of

Parliament.

Quorum.

Voting in Parliament.

(b) in the case of a tie, the question is lost.

(3)

Amember shall not vote on any question in which the memberhas a pecuniary interest.

(4)

In reckoning the number of members of a House of Parliamentfor any purpose of voting in that House, the Speaker of that House shall not be counted as a member.

_{Decisions of Senate.} 123. (1) On election, all the members of the Senate who were registered as voters in a particular county shall collectively constitute a single delegation for purposes of clause (4) and the member elected under Article 98 (1) (a) shall be the head of the delegation.

(2)

When the Senate is to vote on any matter other than a Bill, the Speaker shall rule on whether the matter affects or does not affect counties.

(3)

When the Senate votes on a matter that does not affect counties,each senator has one vote.

(4)

Except as provided otherwise in this Constitution, in anymatter in the Senate affecting counties—

(a)

each county delegation shall have one vote to be cast on behalf of the county by the head of the county delegationor, in the absence of the head of the delegation, by another member of the delegation designated by the head of thedelegation;

(b)

the person who votes on behalf of a delegation shalldetermine whether or not to vote in support of, or against, thematter, after consulting the other members of the delegation;and

(c)

the matter is carried only if it is supported by a majority ofall the delegations.

Committees and 124. (1) Each House of Parliament may establish committees, and

Standing Orders. shall make Standing Orders for the orderly conduct of its proceedings, including the proceedings of its committees.

(2) Parliament may establish joint committees consisting ofmembers of both Houses and may jointly regulate the procedure of those committees.

(3)

The proceedings of either House are not invalid just because of—

(a)

a vacancy in its membership; or

(b)

the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present at, or to participate in, the proceedings of theHouse.

(4)

When a House of Parliament considers any appointmentfor which its approval is required under this Constitution or an Act of Parliament––

(a)

the appointment shall be considered by a committee of the relevant House;

(b)

the committee’s recommendation shall be tabled in theHouse for approval; and

(c)

the proceedings of the committee and the House shall be open to the public.

125. (1) Either House of Parliament, and any of its committees, has power to summon any person to appear before it for the purpose ofgiving evidence or providing information.

(2)

For the purposes of clause (1), a House of Parliament and any of its committees has the same powers as the High Court—

(a)

to enforce the attendance of witnesses and examine them

on oath, affirmation or otherwise;

(b)

to compel the production of documents; and

(c)

to issue a commission or request to examine witnesses
abroad.

Part 6—miscellaneous

126. (1) A sitting of either House may be held at any place within Kenya and may commence at any time that the House appoints.

(2) Whenever a new House is elected, the President, by notice in the Gazette, shall appoint the place and date for the first sitting of the newHouse, which shall be not more than thirty days after the election.

127. (1) There is established the Parliamentary ServiceCommission.

Power to call for evidence.

Location of sittingsof Parliament.

ParliamentaryService Commission.

(2)

The Commission consists of—

(a)

the Speaker of the National Assembly, as chairperson;

(b)

a vice-chairperson elected by the Commission from themembers appointed under paragraph (c);

(c)

seven members appointed by Parliament from among its members of whom—

(i)

four shall be nominated equally from both Houses by theparty or coalition of parties forming the national government, of whom at least two shall be women; and

(ii)

three shall be nominated by the parties not formingthe national government, at least one of whom shall be nominated from each House and at least one of whom shall be a woman; and

(d)

one man and one woman appointed by Parliament from among persons who are experienced in public affairs, but are not members of Parliament.

(3)

The Clerk of the Senate shall be the Secretary to theCommission.

(4) A member of the Commission shall vacate office—

(a)

if the person is a member of Parliament—

(i)

at the end of the term of the House of which the person is a member; or

(ii)

if the person ceases to be a member of Parliament; or

(b)

if the person is an appointed member, on revocation of the person’s appointment by Parliament.

(5)

Despite clause (4), when the term of a House of Parliamentends, a member of the Commission appointed under clause (2) (c)

shall continue in office until a new member has been appointed in the

member’s place by the next House.

(6) The Commission is responsible for—

(a) providing services and facilities to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of Parliament;

(b) constituting offices in the parliamentary service, and

appointing and supervising office holders;

(c)

preparing annual estimates of expenditure of the parliamentaryservice and submitting them to the National Assemblyfor approval, and exercising budgetary control over theservice;

(d)

undertaking, singly or jointly with other relevantorganisations, programmes to promote the ideals ofparliamentary democracy; and

(e)

performing other functions—

(i)

necessary for the well-being of the members and staff of Parliament; or

(ii)

prescribed by national legislation.

128. (1) There shall be a Clerk for each House of Parliament, appointed by the Parliamentary Service Commission with the approval of the relevant House.

(2)The offices of the Clerks and offices of members of the staff of the Clerks shall be offices in the Parliamentary Service.