GRADE 9 Social Studies POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND GOVERNANCE – THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA Notes
THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND GOVERNANCE
Subject: Social Studies | Age group: 14 years
What is a constitution?
A constitution is a written set of rules that explains how a country is run. It tells us:
- Who makes the laws (parliament).
- Who enforces and applies the laws (government and the police).
- How leaders are chosen and what they can do.
- Rights and freedoms that people have.
Short history of Kenya’s constitution
Independence Constitution
New constitution (strong presidency)
Return to multiparty politics
Post-election violence → demand for reform
New Constitution adopted by referendum
Why a new constitution in 2010?
- To reduce concentration of power in the presidency.
- To improve human rights and protect freedoms (Bill of Rights).
- To introduce devolution — county governments closer to the people.
- To make institutions independent (courts, election commission, anti-corruption bodies).
- To increase public participation in decision‑making.
Main features of the 2010 Constitution (simple)
47 counties each with a Governor and County Assembly. Makes services local — health, water, local roads.
Lists civil, political, economic and social rights (e.g., right to education, equality, fair trial).
Government split into Executive, Legislature and Judiciary to check each other.
e.g., IEBC (elections), Judiciary, Ethics & Anti‑Corruption Commission.
Laws to improve land management and share benefits between national and county governments.
Separation of powers — simple diagram
President, Cabinet, implements laws
Parliament (National Assembly & Senate), makes laws
Court system up to the Supreme Court, interprets laws
Each branch checks the others. For example, Parliament can pass laws, but the courts can say a law is unconstitutional.
How the constitution affects governance
- Improves accountability — leaders can be investigated and removed for wrongdoing.
- Brings services closer through county governments.
- Gives citizens rights to participate in decisions — public participation is required in important laws.
- Promotes fairness and protection for minorities and vulnerable groups.
How citizens (including young people) can take part
- Vote in national and county elections when eligible.
- Attend public meetings in your county or school forums.
- Join civic clubs, student councils or volunteer groups.
- Learn your rights and speak up if they are violated (petition or report to officials).
- Devolution — giving power and resources to local (county) governments.
- Bill of Rights — part of the constitution that lists citizens’ rights.
- Referendum — when citizens vote directly on a law or the constitution.
- Independent commission — body that works independently from government to do specific jobs (e.g., run elections).
Short classroom activity
- In groups, list three services (water, health, roads). Decide whether national or county government should provide each and explain why.
- Role-play: one student is a county governor, others are citizens raising concerns. Practice respectful public participation.
Remember: The Constitution is a tool to protect rights and ensure leaders serve the people. Learning it helps you understand how Kenya is governed and how you can take part.
For further reading: look up the 'Constitution of Kenya 2010' (kid-friendly summaries are available online) and ask your teacher about local county government activities.