Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1. Basic norm
ii. Judicature Act
1. Implied
iii. Article 2
iv. Njoya case
v. Marbury v Madison
vi. Okiya Omtata Okoiti v. AG
d. Independence of the Judiciary
i. Montesquieu – Spirit of the Laws
ii. Elements
1. Mode of appointment
2. Decisional and Institutional Independence
3. Security of tenure
4. Financial security and independence
iii. Article 160
iv. Nancy Baraza
v. Gachiengo
e. Parliamentary Supremacy
i. Article 93
ii. A.V Dicey
1. A. V. Dicey paints a definitive picture of Parliamentary Supremacy. He
describes it as when Parliament has the right to make and unmake any
law whatever; and, further, that no person or body is recognized by the
law as having a right to override or set aside the legislation of
Parliament1.
iii. Okiya Omtata
f. Accountability of Government
i. Vertical accountability
1. Government to the nation
ii. Horizontal accountability
1. Governmental arms to each other
iii. Article 10
1
(Lumumba and Franceschi)
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iv. 2 stages
1. Answerability
2. Enforcement
g. Constitutionalis m
i. John Locke
ii. Entails the following
1. Government limited in power
2. Government‘s validity stemming from its operation within those
limits
3. Genuinely accountable government
4. Guarantee of basic civil liberties
5. Free, fair and frequent elections
6. Independent Judiciary to protect rights, enforce the law and the
constitution.
7. Government that does not operate in ‗rex‘ but in ‗regina‘
iii. Njoya
h. Rule of Law
i. A.V Dicey
ii. Principles include
1. Laws should be open & clear
2. They should be relatively stable
a. to allow people to predict their actions in accordance with
the law
3. There should be an outlined procedure in law making
4. There should be independence of the Judiciary
5. Natural Justice should be upheld
6. There should be judicial review
7. Courts should be accessible
iii. The right to life, liberty, and property can only be limited or taken away
through the law
iv. Those in power are not above the law and are limited by it
v. Article 10
vi. Preamble
vii. Njoya case
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3. What is the nexus between the principles of the rule of law and constitutionalism
a. In the rule of law, all persons including those in authority are limited by and
subjected to the law
4. From your understanding of the general principles of constitutional law, identify some of
the provisions of Kenya‘s Constitution that embody these principles.
a. Aricles
i. 1
ii. 2
iii. 10
iv. 93
v. 129
vi. 159
vii. 160
viii. 249
Reflection: Kenya is a pluralistic society. The people of Kenya are from diverse cultural, ethnic
and religious backgrounds. There are over 60 languages spoken in the country, with English
and Kiswahili being the official and national languages. Except for English and Kiswahili that
the Constitution has prescribed, there is no unity of language, ethnicity, culture or faith in
Kenya‘s society. So what keeps this society together? Do you think the Constitution is the
most important uniting factor for the Kenyan society? (Recall discussion of the Constitution as a
political charter)
1. What are the points of interaction between national and county governments?
a. Allocation of funds from the national government to the county government
b. Legislation
i. Parliament can legislate generally including legislation regarding county
functions
c. Policy
i. Policy level
1. Issued by the national government
ii. Operational level
1. Coordinated by the county government
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d. Checks
i. President may dissolve county government
ii. Impeachment of the governor requires the Senate‘s approval
e. Summit
i. Consists of President and all 47 governors
ii. Headed by the President
1. Or Deputy President in the President‘s absence
2. How are the two levels of government supposed to relate? (art 6). Has that always been
the case?
3. Article 249 (2)(a)(b) provides for the independence of constitutional commissions and
independent offices. They are not subject to control or direction of any person or
authority. Does that make them a fourth arm of government in some way? In light of their
independence, how can they be held accountable?
4. What is the rationale behind the creation of these commissions and independent offices
5. What role do these commissions and offices play in governance?
a. They ensure the independence of governmental arms and place checks and
balances to account for the legality and efficiency of their work
6. Does Kenya need these commissions?
a. Yes.
7. To whom are commissions and independent offices accountable?
a. Different arms of government
b. The people
Week 3: Legislature
Week 4: Executive
1. What provisions do you see that will ensure that the Executive is accountable?
a. National Executive
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Reflection: What advantages and challenges do a cabinet that does not draw its membership
from Parliament present?
Week 5: Judiciary
1. What is the principle of independence of the judiciary?
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Week 6: Devolution
Question II
The county governments consist of the County Executive and the County Assembly.
The County Assembly consists of elected members of each ward (which shall constitute a
single member constituency), a number of special seat members to cater for the two thirds
gender rule, a number of marginalized groups as prescribed by an Act of Parliament, and a
Speaker who shall be an ex officio member. The special seats and marginalized group
members shall be nominated by the political parties in proportion to the seats obtained in
that county.
The County Executive Committee consists of the County Governor and Deputy County
Governor as well as members to be appointed by the Governor. The members are not to
exceed 1/3 of the County Assembly members if they are less than 30 members or not more
than 10 members if there are 30 or more members in the (CA).
Question VI
Under the independence Constitution, the majimbo system consisted of the national
government and 7 regions which were further divided into local authorities. Each region had
a regional assembly and a regional President elected from amongst its members. The
executive power of the regions was vested in the Finance and Establishments Committee.
The local government system was composed of Local Authority Councils.
Question VIII
National Legislation will prevail over county legislation if certain criteria, which may be
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Question IX
The Senate are the protectors of the devolved system of government and represent the
system at a national level.
Speaker of the Senate & another v Hon. Attorney-General & another & 3 others [2013]
eKLR
Question II
The devolved system of government brings governmental power closer to the governed. It
also reduces the centralization of power into the National government, and thus possibly
reducing corruption. It makes the state more responsive to regional and local needs.
Question IV
1. To promote democratic and accountable exercise of power;
o By bringing the governing closer to the people, the county government is
more accountable to their county than a centralized government is to a
county. The people elect their leaders in the county government.
o There is also public participation in the governance.
o Making the county government accountable to the people. The governor
owes his job to the people and is thus accountable to them.
This is opposed to being accountable to the President as in the
previous Constitution.
2. To foster national unity by recognizing diversity;
o The members of the County Government are to be diverse. This is
provided for through affirmative action measures. Thus, they stand for
the views of the different people, through representation.
o Representation, equity, participation, recognition, and affirmative
government.
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3. To give powers of self-governance to the people and enhance the participation of the
people in the exercise of the powers of the State and in making decisions affecting
them;
o Also by allowing the people to reach participation of governing through
elections, as opposed to the President choosing who does what.
o By being a means through which these things can be achieved.
People may demonstrate and participate among others
4. To recognize the right of communities to manage their own affairs and to further their
development;
o The county government and those in the county know the issues of its
citizens better than the centralized government would. Thus, the people in
the counties can better manage themselves.
5. To protect and promote the interests and rights of minorities and marginalized
communities;
o Through certain membership rules, such as affirmative action, the
government will consists of these groups and thus each shall be
represented.
6. To promote social and economic development and the provision of proximate, easily
accessible services throughout Kenya;
o Economic development assured through devolution because resources are
assured by law
Before was dependent on power
o Competition of the counties
7. To ensure equitable sharing of national and local resources throughout Kenya;
o There are laws assuring the counties get resources
o Commission of Revenue Allocation
8. To facilitate the decentralization of State organs, their functions and services, from the
capital of Kenya;
o Decentralization of services
o Schedule 4 of the Constitution distributes power and gives the counties it‘s
functions, including certain services
o Allowing the citizens to receive services closer to home
Thus people would not have to travel all the way to Nairobi just to
receive documents
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[2013] eKLR and Nancy Makokha Baraza v Judicial Service Commission & 9 others
[2012] eKLR
a. L
4. What approach should a court take when adjudicating individual fundamental rights and
freedoms?- see articles 19 and 20
a. L
5. What principles of constitutional interpretation does the High Court affirm in the
case of Nancy Makokha Baraza v Judicial Service Commission & 9 others [2012]
eKLR?
Principles prescribed by the constitution.
Liberal
o So as to achieve the purpose for which the provision was intended
dynamic, progressive, harmoniously, authoritatively, supremely, purposively,
effectively
Ancillary and subsidiary powers
Legitimate expectation
Overrule of stare decisis
Territorial nexus
Repugnance
Proportionality
6. Should there be any difference in the approach to statutory and constitutional
interpretation?
Yes, as was stated in the Njoya case the Constitution is not an Act of Parliament, thus
it should not be interpreted as such. It should be construed in a liberal manner to give
effect to the values it embodies, and purpose for which it is framed. The Elmann
approach is that the Constitution may be interpreted in the same sense as statutes in
regard to the Literal Rule, where the court must abide by the law as is given to it.
7. What approach should a court take when adjudicating individual fundamental
rights and freedoms?
They should take a wide, broad, progressive, flexible, dynamic, liberal and purposive
approach to constitutional interpretation. One that most favours the enforcement of a
right or fundamental freedom. One that promotes the values that underlie in an open and
democratic society based on human dignity, equality, equity and freedom. As well as on
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that promotes the spirit, claims, and objects of the Bill of Rights.
8. Discuss Article 259 of the Constitution and the approach it requires as far as
interpretation of the Constitution is concerned.
It requires an approach that
promotes its purposes, values and principles
advances the rule of law, and the human rights and fundamental freedoms in
the Bill of Rights
permits the development of the law
contributes to good governance
*Political Morality
*Hansard – Recording of parliament
Gibson Kamau Kuria v AG
Matiba v. Moi 1993
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Bill of Rights
Longest chapter: Bill of rights
Part 1 – General Provisions (art 19-25)
Part 2 – Fundamental rights and freedoms (art 26-51)
Part 3 – Specific Application of Rights (art 52-57)
Part 4 – State of emergency (art 58)
Part 5 Kenya National Human Rights & Equality Commission (art 59)
Part 4 – State of emergency (art 58)
Part 5 Kenya National Human Rights & Equality Commission (art 59)
Principles Discussed
Communitarianism
Utilitarianism
Inherent nature of human rights
Cultural relativity
Universality of human rights
Antiquity
o Vedas, Koran, Bible, Code of Hammurabi, King Cyrus Charter of rights
African cultures
Medieval Times
o Magna Carta- 1215
o English Bill of Rights – 1689
Early Constitutional Instruments
o US constitution Bill of Rights Amendment 1-10 (1791)
o Declaration of Rights of Duties of man 1789 - France
International Instruments & Modern Constitutions
o UN charter 1945 – preamble and article 6
o UDHR 1948 – Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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in educational and economic fields; (c) are provided special opportunities for
access to employment; (d) develop their cultural values, languages and
practices; and (e) have reasonable access to water, health services and
infrastructure.
Right to property –
o The State shall not deprive a person of property of any description, or of any
interest in, or right over, property of any description, unless the deprivation—
(a) results from an acquisition of land or an interest in land or a conversion of
an interest in land, or title to land, in accordance with Chapter Five; or (b) is
for a public purpose or in the public interest and is carried out in accordance
with this Constitution and any Act of Parliament that— (i) requires prompt
payment in full, of just compensation to the person; and (ii) allows any person
who has an interest in, or right over, that property a right of access to a court
of law.
Right to freedom of expression and media
Socio-econ rights
o Every person has the right— (a) to the highest attainable standard of health,
which includes the right to health care services, including reproductive health
care; (b) to accessible and adequate housing, and to reasonable standards of
sanitation; (c) to be free from hunger, and to have adequate food of acceptable
quality; (d) to clean and safe water in adequate quantities; (e) to social
security; and (f) to education.
Children
o Every child has the right to
free and compulsory basic education; (c) to basic nutrition, shelter and
health care;
Constitution in the form of a Bill of Rights. Constitutions are the most important means of
protection of rights as far as fundamental rights and freedoms are concerned.
*Identify the proper forum
Which court? 165(3)(b) – Bill of Rights and 165(3)(d) – Constitutional Interpretation
High Court
*Identify the petitioner and respondents
Burgaba Welfare Initiative & Japhet Godane Oso v. Attorney General, KAA, National
land Commission & Isiolo County Government (Schedule 4)
*Identify the locus standi of the petitioners
Article 22(1) & Article 70 & Article 258
*The provisions of law that give jurisdiction
Article (3)(b) Bill of Rights and 165(3)(d) Constitutional Interpretation
*Identify the appropriate remedies you are seeking and to whom you are directing
them to
o In any proceedings brought under Article 22, a court may grant appropriate
relief, including a declaration of rights
The petitioner has a right to this right or freedom
o , an injunction
A court order requiring someone to stop something – Prohibitory
injunction
A court order requiring someone to d something – Mandatory
injunction
o a conservatory order
o a declaration of invalidity of any law that denies, violates, infringes, or
threatens a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights and is not
justified under Article 24,
o an order for compensation,
To order compensation for the violation of one‘s right
o an order of judicial review
Mandamus
Order requiring the State to do something
Positive in nature
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*Identify the law that provides gives you the authority to seek these remedies
Article 23(3)
*Make arguments in support of your case and possible arguments that the respondent might
make in response to this case
Human dignity is the moral worth of a human being is a right under – Article 28
*Article 10 an important part of interpreting the Constitution
You can only take a matter to court when your matter is ripe
o You cannot take a matter that‘s speculative to court
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