Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Chapter 2 ยท Articles 4โ€“11

The Republic

  1. 4Declaration of the RepublicKenya is a sovereign Republic and a multi-party democratic State. It is founded on the national values and principles of governance set out in Article 10.
  2. 5Territory of KenyaKenya is made up of its territory and territorial waters as they were on the effective date, plus any additional territory and waters defined by an Act of Parliament.
  3. 6Devolution and access to servicesKenya is divided into the counties listed in the First Schedule. National and county governments are distinct but depend on each other, working through consultation and cooperation. National State organs must ensure reasonable access to their services across the country, where appropriate.
  4. 7National, official and other languagesKiswahili is the national language; Kiswahili and English are the official languages. The State must promote language diversity, indigenous languages, Kenyan Sign language, Braille and other formats accessible to persons with disabilities.
  5. 8State and religionKenya has no State religion.
  6. 9National symbols and national daysThe national symbols are the flag, anthem, coat of arms and public seal. Madaraka Day (1 June), Mashujaa Day (20 October) and Jamhuri Day (12 December) are national days and public holidays. Parliament may create other public holidays.
  7. 10National values and principles of governanceNational values, including the rule of law, democracy, human dignity, equality, integrity, transparency, accountability and sustainable development, bind all State organs, officers and all persons when they apply law or the Constitution or make public policy.
  8. 11CultureCulture is recognised as the foundation of the nation. The State must promote cultural expression, recognise science and indigenous technologies, and promote intellectual property rights. Parliament must legislate on compensation or royalties for communities' cultures and protection of indigenous seeds.

Summaries and answers are a plain-English guide written by Iam254, not legal advice. The official text is what counts. Official text: Constitution of Kenya, 2010, Kenya Law (National Council for Law Reporting), legislation as at 3 September 2010. It has not been amended since.