Kenya marks 16 years of the 2010 Constitution

Kenya is marking the 16th anniversary of the promulgation of its 2010 Constitution, a document designed to address historical injustices and authoritarian governance. While the anniversary serves as a milestone for the nation's transformative governance charter, leaders and human rights organizations are calling for increased vigilance to protect its principles.

Amnesty International Kenya noted that while the constitutional architecture remains robust, its implementation has become a contested battleground. The organization highlighted that political interests and institutional failures often undermine the sovereign power of the people and constitutional safeguards.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga issued a statement warning that the Constitution is “under siege from incessant violations.” He emphasized that the Bill of Rights and provisions for public participation are the “soul” of the supreme law and must be treated as substantive protections rather than mere procedural formalities. Maraga also stressed the importance of Parliament’s role in checking executive power to prevent the excessive concentration of authority.