Grade 5 Social Studies Political Systems And Governance – The National Government In Kenya Notes
The National Government in Kenya 🇰🇪
(Social Studies — Political Systems and Governance) — For learners aged 10
What is the National Government?
The national government runs the whole country. It makes decisions for Kenya that affect everyone, for example national schools, roads between counties, defence, and foreign affairs.
The Three Arms (Main Parts) of Government
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Executive(President, Deputy, Cabinet)
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Legislature(Parliament: National Assembly & Senate)
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Judiciary(Courts: Supreme Court, etc.)
What each arm does (simple)
- Executive: Runs the country day-to-day. The President leads and the Cabinet helps.
- Legislature (Parliament): Makes and changes laws. It has two parts: the National Assembly and the Senate.
- Judiciary: Explains the laws and decides if someone broke them. The highest court is the Supreme Court.
How a law is made (easy steps)
- A member of Parliament or the government suggests a bill (an idea for a law).
- Parliament discusses and votes on the bill.
- If both houses agree, the President signs the bill into law.
- If there is a problem, the courts can check the law to be sure it follows the Constitution.
National vs County Government (short)
Kenya has two levels of government:
- National Government: Works for the whole country (national schools, security, passports).
- County Government: Helps local people (local roads, health centres, water).
Elections and leaders
Every five years, Kenyan adults vote for leaders: the President, Members of Parliament (MPs), Senators and county leaders. Children must be at least 18 to vote when they grow up.
Why the national government is important
- It keeps the country safe and works with other countries.
- It provides national services like big roads and major hospitals.
- It makes rules that help everyone live together peacefully.
Key words (short meanings)
- Constitution: The big rule book for the country.
- Parliament: People who make laws for Kenya.
- President: The head of the national government.
- Supreme Court: The top court in Kenya.
Short activities for class or at home
- Draw three boxes and write what each arm does. Add one person who works in each box (example: President, MP, Judge).
- List three things the national government does in your town or county.
- Discuss: Why is it good to have different arms of government?
Quick question: Who makes laws in Kenya? Answer: Parliament (National Assembly and Senate).
End of notes — Remember: The national government is here to serve everyone in Kenya. Be curious and ask questions!