Verbatim text
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
“national legislation” means an Act of Parliament, or a law made
under authority conferred by an Act of Parliament;
“natural resources” means the physical non-human factors and
components, whether renewable or non-renewable, including—
(a) sunlight;
(b) surface and groundwater;
(c) forests, biodiversity and genetic resources; and
(d) rocks, minerals, fossil fuels and other sources of energy;
“older member of society” means a person who has attained the
age of sixty years;
“person” includes a company, association or other body of
persons whether incorporated or unincorporated;
“political party” means an association contemplated in Part 3 of
Chapter Seven;
“property” includes any vested or contingent right to, or interest in
or arising from—
(a) land, or permanent fixtures on, or improvements to, land;
(b) goods or personal property;
(c) intellectual property; or
(d) money, choses in action or negotiable instruments;
“public officer” means—
(a) any State officer; or
(b) any person, other that a State Officer, who holds a public
office;
“public office” means an office in the national government, a
county government or the public service, if the remuneration and
benefits of the office are payable directly from the Consolidated Fund
or directly out of money provided by Parliament;
“public service” means the collectivity of all individuals, other than
State officers, performing a function within a State organ;161
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
“Republic” means the Republic of Kenya;
“State”, when used as a noun, means the collectivity of offices,
organs and other entities comprising the government of the Republic
under this Constitution;
“State office” means any of the following offices—
(a) President;
(b) Deputy President;
(c) Cabinet Secretary;
(d) Member of Parliament;
(e) Judges and Magistrates;
(f) member of a commission to which Chapter Fifteen applies;
(g) holder of an independent office to which Chapter Fifteen
applies;
(h) member of a county assembly, governor or deputy governor
of a county, or other member of the executive committee of a
county government;
(i) Attorney-General;
(j) Director of Public Prosecutions;
(k) Secretary to the Cabinet;
(l) Principal Secretary;
(m) Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces;
(n) commander of a service of the Kenya Defence Forces;
(o) Director-General of the National Intelligence Service;
(p) Inspector-General, and the Deputy Inspectors-General, of the
National Police Service; or
(q) an office established and designated as a State office by
national legislation;
“State officer” means a person holding a State office;
“State organ” means a commission, office, agency or other body 162
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
established under this Constitution;
“writing” includes printing, photography, lithography, typewriting,
Braille, and any other means of representing or reproducing words in a
visible form; and
“youth” means the collectivity of all individuals in the Republic
who—
(a) have attained the age of eighteen years; but
(b) have not attained the age of thirty-five years.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN—TRANSITIONAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL
PROVISIONS
Consequential legislation.
261. (1) Parliament shall enact any legislation required by this
Constitution to be enacted to govern a particular matter within the
period specified in the Fifth Schedule, commencing on the effective
date.
(2) Despite clause (1), the National Assembly may, by resolution
supported by the votes of at least two-thirds of all the members of the
National Assembly, extend the period prescribed in respect of any
particular matter under clause (1), by a period not exceeding one year.
(3) The power of the National Assembly contemplated under
clause (2), may be exercised—
(a) only once in respect of any particular matter; and
(b) only in exceptional circumstances to be certified by the
Speaker of the National Assembly.
(4) For the purposes of clause (1), the Attorney-General, in
consultation with the Commission for the Implementation of the
Constitution, shall prepare the relevant Bills for tabling before
Parliament, as soon as reasonably practicable, to enable Parliament to
enact the legislation within the period specified.
(5) If Parliament fails to enact any particular legislation within the
specified time, any person may petition the High Court on the matter.
(6) The High Court in determining a petition under clause (5) may
—
(a) make a declaratory order on the matter; and163
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
(b) transmit an order directing Parliament and the
Attorney-General to take steps to ensure that the required
legislation is enacted, within the period specified in the order,
and to report the progress to the Chief Justice.
(7) If Parliament fails to enact legislation in accordance with an
order under clause (6) ( b), the Chief Justice shall advise the President
to dissolve Parliament and the President shall dissolve Parliament.
(8) If Parliament has been dissolved under clause (7), the new
Parliament shall enact the required legislation within the periods
specified in the Fifth Schedule beginning with the date of
commencement of the term of the new Parliament.
(9) If the new Parliament fails to enact legislation in accordance
with clause (8), the provisions of clauses (1) to (8) shall apply afresh.
Transitional and consequential provisions.
262. The transitional and consequential provisions set out in the
Sixth Schedule shall take effect on the effective date.
Effective Date.
263. This Constitution shall come into force on its promulgation
by the President or on the expiry of a period of fourteen days from the
date of the publication in the Gazette of the final result of the
referendum ratifying this Constitution, whichever is the earlier.
Repeal of previous constitution.
264. Subject to the Sixth Schedule, for the avoidance of doubt,
the Constitution in force immediately before the effective date shall
stand repealed on the effective date,
SCHEDULES
FIRST SCHEDULE
(Article 6 (1))
COUNTIES
1. Mombasa
2. Kwale
3. Kilifi
4. Tana River
5. Lamu
6. Taita/Taveta 164
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
7. Garissa
8. Wajir
9. Mandera
10. Marsabit
11. Isiolo
12. Meru
13. Tharaka-Nithi
14. Embu
15. Kitui
16. Machakos
17. Makueni
18. Nyandarua
19. Nyeri
20. Kirinyaga
21. Murang’a
22. Kiambu
23. Turkana
24. West Pokot
25. Samburu
26. Trans Nzoia
27. Uasin Gishu
28. Elgeyo/Marakwet
29. Nandi
30. Baringo
31. Laikipia
32. Nakuru
33. Narok
34. Kajiado
35. Kericho
36. Bomet
37. Kakamega
38. Vihiga
39. Bungoma
40. Busia
41. Siaya
42. Kisumu
43. Homa Bay
44. Migori
45. Kisii
46. Nyamira
47. Nairobi City165
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
SECOND SCHEDULE
(Article 9 (2))
NATIONAL SYMBOLS
(a) THE NATIONAL FLAG
Note—All dimensions given do not necessarily represent any particular
measurement and are merely proportional.
Description—
Three major strips of equal width coloured from top to bottom black,
red and green and separated by narrow white strips, with a
symmetrical shield and white spears superimposed centrally.
166
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
(b) THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
1 1
Ee Mungu nguvu yetu O God of all creation
Ilete baraka kwetu. Bless this our land and nation.
Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi Justice be our shield and defender
Natukae na undugu May we dwell in unity
Amani na uhuru Peace and liberty
Raha tupate na ustawi Plenty be found within our borders.
2 2
Amkeni ndugu zetu Let one and all arise
Tufanye sote bidii With hearts both strong and true.
Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu Service be our earnest endeavour,
Nchi yetu ya Kenya, And our Homeland of Kenya
Tunayoipenda Heritage of splendour,
Tuwe tayari kuilinda. Firm may we stand to
defend.
3 3
Natujenge taifa letu Let all with one accord
Ee, ndio wajibu wetu In common bond united,
Kenya istahili heshima Build this our nation together
Tuungane mikono And the glory of Kenya
Pamoja kazini The fruit of our labour
Kila siku tuwe na
shukrani. Fill every heart with
thanksgiving167
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
(c) THE COAT OF ARMS
(d) THE PUBLIC SEAL
168
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
THIRD SCHEDULE (Articles 74, 141(3), 148(5) and 152(4))
NATIONAL OATHS AND AFFIRMATIONS
OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OF ALLEGIANCE OF THE
PRESIDENT/ACTING PRESIDENT AND THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
I, ………..................................................................................……,
in full realisation of the high calling I assume as President/Acting
President/Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, do
swear/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to
the Republic of Kenya; that I will obey, preserve, protect and defend
this Constitution of Kenya, as by law established, and all other laws of
the Republic; and that I will protect and uphold the sovereignty,
integrity and dignity of the people of Kenya. (In the case of an oath—
So help me God.)
OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OF DUE EXECUTION OF
OFFICE FOR THE PRESIDENT/ACTING PRESIDENT
I, ………..............................................................................………,
swear/solemnly affirm that I will truly and diligently serve the people
and the Republic of Kenya in the office of the President/ Acting
President of the Republic of Kenya; that I will diligently discharge my
duties and perform my functions in the Office of President/Acting
President of the Republic of Kenya; and I will do justice to all in
accordance with this Constitution, as by law established, and the laws
of Kenya, without fear, favour, affection or ill-will. (In the case of an
oath— So help me God.)
OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OF DUE EXECUTION
OF OFFICE FOR THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
I, ……………..…..........................................................…………,
do swear/solemnly affirm that I will always truly and diligently serve the
people and the Republic of Kenya in the office of the Deputy President
of the Republic of Kenya; that I will diligently discharge my duties and
perform my functions in the said office, to the best of my judgment; that
I will at all times, when so required, faithfully and truly give my counsel
and advice to the President of the Republic of Kenya; that I will do
justice to all without fear, favour, affection or ill-will; and that I will not
directly or indirectly reveal such matters as shall come to my
knowledge in the discharge of my duties and committed to my secrecy.
(In the case of an oath— So help me God.)169
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OF DUE EXECUTION OF
OFFICE FOR A CABINET SECRETARY
I, ……........................................……………, being appointed a
Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, do swear/solemnly affirm that I will at all
times be faithful to the Republic of Kenya; that I will obey, respect and
uphold this Constitution of Kenya and all other laws of the Republic;
that I will well and truly serve the people and the Republic of Kenya in
the Office of a Cabinet Secretary; that I undertake to hold my office as
Cabinet Secretary with honour and dignity; that I will be a true and
faithful counsellor to the President for the good management of the
public affairs of the Republic of Kenya; that I will not divulge directly or
indirectly such matters as shall come to my knowledge in the
discharge of my duties and committed to my secrecy except as may be
required for the due discharge of my duties as Cabinet Secretary; and
that I will perform the functions of my office conscientiously and to the
best of my ability. (In the case of an oath— So help me God.).
OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OF DUE EXECUTION OF
OFFICE FOR SECRETARY TO THE CABINET/A PRINCIPAL
SECRETARY
I, ……...................................………………, being called on to
exercise the functions of Secretary to the Cabinet /a Principal
Secretary, do swear/solemnly affirm that, except with the authority of
the President, I will not directly or indirectly reveal the nature or
contents of any business, proceedings or document of the Cabinet
committed to my secrecy, except as may be required for the due
discharge of my duties as Secretary to the Cabinet /such Principal
Secretary. (In the case of an oath— So help me God).
OATHS FOR THE CHIEF JUSTICE /PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME
COURT, JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT, JUDGES OF THE
COURT OF APPEAL AND JUDGES OF THE HIGH COURT
I, ……………......................................………, (The Chief
Justice/President of the Supreme Court, a judge of the Supreme Court,
a judge of the Court of Appeal, a judge of the High Court) do (swear in
the name of the Almighty God)/(solemnly affirm) to diligently serve the
people and the Republic of Kenya and to impartially do Justice in
accordance with this Constitution as by law established, and the laws
and customs of the Republic, without any fear, favour, bias, affection,
ill-will, prejudice or any political, religious or other influence. In the
exercise of the judicial functions entrusted to me, I will at all times, and
to the best of my knowledge and ability, protect, administer and defend
this Constitution with a view to upholding the dignity and the respect
for the judiciary and the judicial system of Kenya and promoting
fairness, independence, competence and integrity within it. (So help
me God.)170
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
OATH /AFFIRMATION OF MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT (SENATE/
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY)
I,………...................................……………, having been elected a
member of the Senate/National Assembly do swear (in the name of the
Almighty God) (solemnly affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance
to the People and the Republic of Kenya; that I will obey, respect,
uphold, preserve, protect and defend this Constitution of the Republic of
Kenya; and that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties
of a member of Parliament. (So help me God).
OATH FOR SPEAKER/DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE
SENATE/NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
I, ...............................................................……………, having
been elected as Speaker/Deputy Speaker of the Senate/ National
Assembly do swear (in the name of the Almighty God) (solemnly
affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the people and the
Republic of Kenya; that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge
my duties as Speaker/Deputy Speaker of the Senate/National
Assembly; that I will obey, respect, uphold, preserve, protect and
defend this Constitution of the Republic of Kenya; and that I will do
right to all manner of persons in accordance with this Constitution of
Kenya and the laws and conventions of Parliament without fear or
favour, affection or ill will (So help me God).171
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
FOURTH SCHEDULE (Article 185(2), 186(1) and 187(2))
Distribution of Functions Between the National Government and
the County Governments
PART 1—NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
1.Foreign affairs, foreign policy and international trade.
2.The use of international waters and water resources.
3.Immigration and citizenship.
4.The relationship between religion and state.
5.Language policy and the promotion of official and local
languages.
6.National defence and the use of the national defence services.
7.Police services, including—
(a) the setting of standards of recruitment, training of police
and use of police services;
(b) criminal law; and
(c) correctional services.
8.Courts.
9. National economic policy and planning.
10.Monetary policy, currency, banking (including central banking),
the incorporation and regulation of banking, insurance and
financial corporations.
11.National statistics and data on population, the economy and
society generally.
12.Intellectual property rights.
13.Labour standards.
14.Consumer protection, including standards for social security
and professional pension plans.
15.Education policy, standards, curricula, examinations and the
granting of university charters.
16.Universities, tertiary educational institutions and other
institutions of research and higher learning and primary
schools, special education, secondary schools and special
education institutions.
17.Promotion of sports and sports education.
18.Transport and communications, including, in particular—
(a) road traffic;
(b) the construction and operation of national trunk roads;
(c) standards for the construction and maintenance of other
roads by counties;
(d) railways;172
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
(e) pipelines;
(f) marine navigation;
(g) civil aviation;
(h) space travel;
(i) postal services;
(j) telecommunications; and
(k) radio and television broadcasting.
19.National public works.
20.Housing policy.
21.General principles of land planning and the co-ordination of
planning by the counties.
22.Protection of the environment and natural resources with a view
to establishing a durable and sustainable system of
development, including, in particular—
(a) fishing, hunting and gathering;
(b) protection of animals and wildlife;
(c) water protection, securing sufficient residual water,
hydraulic engineering and the safety of dams; and
(d) energy policy.
23.National referral health facilities.
24.Disaster management.
25.Ancient and historical monuments of national importance.
26.National elections.
28.Health policy.
29.Agricultural policy.
30.Veterinary policy.
31.Energy policy including electricity and gas reticulation and
energy regulation.
32.Capacity building and technical assistance to the counties.
33.Public investment.
34. National betting, casinos and other forms of gambling.
35. Tourism policy and development.173
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PART 2—COUNTY GOVERNMENTS
The functions and powers of the county are—
1. Agriculture, including—
(a)crop and animal husbandry;
(b)livestock sale yards;
(c)county abattoirs;
(d)plant and animal disease control; and
(e)fisheries.
2. County health services, including, in particular—
(a) county health facilities and pharmacies;
(b) ambulance services;
(c) promotion of primary health care;
(d) licensing and control of undertakings that sell food to the
public;
(e) veterinary services (excluding regulation of the profession);
(f) cemeteries, funeral parlours and crematoria; and
(g) refuse removal, refuse dumps and solid waste disposal.
3. Control of air pollution, noise pollution, other public nuisances and
outdoor advertising.
4. Cultural activities, public entertainment and public amenities,
including—
(a) betting, casinos and other forms of gambling;
(b) racing;
(c) liquor licensing;
(d) cinemas;
(e) video shows and hiring;
(f) libraries;
(g) museums;
(h) sports and cultural activities and facilities; and
(i) county parks, beaches and recreation facilities.
5. County transport, including—
(a) county roads;
(b) street lighting;
(c) traffic and parking;
(d) public road transport; and
(e) ferries and harbours, excluding the regulation of 174
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
international and national shipping and matters related
thereto.
6. Animal control and welfare, including—
(a) licensing of dogs; and
(b) facilities for the accommodation, care and burial of animals.
7. Trade development and regulation, including—
(a) markets;
(b) trade licences (excluding regulation of professions);
(c) fair trading practices;
(d) local tourism; and
(e) cooperative societies.
8. County planning and development, including—
(a) statistics;
(b) land survey and mapping;
(c) boundaries and fencing;
(d) housing; and
(e) electricity and gas reticulation and energy regulation.
9. Pre-primary education, village polytechnics, homecraft centres and
childcare facilities.
10. Implementation of specific national government policies on natural
resources and environmental conservation, including—
(a) soil and water conservation; and
(b) forestry.
11. County public works and services, including—
(a) storm water management systems in built-up areas; and
(b) water and sanitation services.
12.Fire fighting services and disaster management.
13.Control of drugs and pornography.
14.Ensuring and coordinating the participation of communities and
locations in governance at the local level and assisting
communities and locations to develop the administrative
capacity for the effective exercise of the functions and powers
and participation in governance at the local level.175
Constitution of Kenya, 2010
FIFTH SCHEDULE (Article 261 (1))
LEGISLATION TO BE ENACTED BY PARLIAMENT