2010 Constitution

People celebrate as the new constitution is signed in Nairobi

In August 2010, Kenyan voters approved a new constitution, which would revolutionize the previously less sophisticated government and contain the first bill of rights for Kenya.  Power would be distinctly diffused throughout the administration and also to Kenya’s counties, which is a new governmental level, decreasing the likelihood of corruption and eradicating the dangers of centralized authority.  A system of checks and balances would ensure that these ideals would be implemented.  The establishment of new governmental bodies, such as “a Supreme Court, an upper house (the Senate) in parliament, a new anti-corruption authority, and an independent landcommission”, would also increase the possibility that Kenya could become more politically stable.[1]

Former President Mwai Kibaki signs the constitution

            However, changes that are now required by the constitution regarding some branches of Kenya’s government, such as law enforcement, have not been implemented as quickly.  For example, at the beginning of 2013, Prime Minister Odinga did not approve of candidates applying for senior police positions because he had morality and communicative issues with them.  However, these nominees still received the job in February 2013.  Violence amidst the 2007-2008 election violence left at least 405 dead as a result of police shootings.  The new constitution offers promise for a more politically stable Kenya, but does not eliminate all of Kenya’s governmental issues.

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[1] Blanchard.