Grade 7 Social Studies POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNANCE – TYPES OF DEMOCRACY PRACTISED IN KENYA Notes
Social Studies — Political Development and Governance
Subtopic: Types of Democracy Practised in Kenya
Democracy means people have power to choose leaders and take part in decisions. Below are the main types of democracy you can see in Kenya. Each type has a simple definition and a Kenyan example.
People elect leaders (like the President, MPs, Governors, Senators, MCAs) to make decisions for them. Kenya holds regular elections where citizens vote for these leaders.
Example: Voting for your Member of County Assembly (MCA) during general elections.Kenya has a President who is elected by the people and leads the national government. The President is both head of state and head of government.
Example: Kenyans voting for the President in the general election.Power and money are shared with county governments so local people can influence decisions that affect their lives. Counties have Governors and County Assemblies.
Example: Public meetings where residents give views on the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).Citizens are asked to give their ideas and opinions before laws or plans are made. This happens through public forums, hearings and written comments.
Example: Members of the public speaking at a parliamentary public participation session.People vote directly on a big issue (yes or no) instead of choosing a leader to decide. Kenya used this when it voted on the 2010 Constitution.
Example: The 2010 Constitution was approved by a national referendum.Different political parties compete in elections. Citizens choose from many parties and candidates.
Example: Parties like Jubilee, ODM, and others competing in general elections.Kenya follows a Constitution that protects rights and says how leaders must behave. Courts check that leaders obey the law.
Example: The Constitution (2010) sets limits for government power and protects fundamental rights.- Learn about leaders and issues in school and at home.
- Attend community meetings with your family.
- Join youth groups that discuss problems in the county.
- Encourage adults to vote and to speak up at public hearings.
Representative — Electing people to make decisions.
Referendum — A direct vote by the people on one issue.
Devolution — Power given to county governments.
Constitution — The main law that guides how the country is run.
- Which type of democracy lets people vote directly on an important issue?
- Name one way counties involve people in decision-making.
- Who do citizens elect in a representative democracy?
Show answers
2. Public participation meetings, public hearings, or approving a CIDP.
3. Leaders like President, MPs, Governors, Senators, and MCAs.
Remember: Democracy works best when citizens know their rights and take part in community life.