How government works in Kenya

Power belongs to the people

The Constitution of Kenya (2010) says that all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya. Leaders only exercise that power because the people gave it to them, and they must do so according to the Constitution. (Article 1)

Two levels of government

Kenya has two levels of government:

• National government — handles national matters such as defence, foreign affairs, national roads and universities.
• County government — 47 counties that run local services such as local health facilities, markets, local roads, water and agriculture.

The two levels are separate but must cooperate. (Article 6)

Three arms of government

At the national level, power is shared between three arms:

• Legislature (Parliament) — the National Assembly and the Senate. They make laws and approve the budget.
• Executive — the President, Deputy President and Cabinet. They implement laws and run the country day to day.
• Judiciary — the courts. They interpret the law and settle disputes.

Why it matters

Sharing power this way stops any one person or office from having too much control. When you know how government is arranged, you know who to talk to — and who to hold responsible.

This is general information, not legal advice.