President Ruto with Speaker Wetang’ula on Tuesday.
By IP reporter.
NAIROBI, Kenya —
Kenya on Tuesday marked 15 years since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula outlining Parliament’s record in implementing the country’s most transformative legal framework.
Framed as a “paradigm shift” that put citizens at the center of governance, the 2010 Constitution introduced devolved government, expanded rights and strengthened institutions.
15 years later, the numbers tell a complex story of achievements and unfinished business.
A Legislative Record
Wetang’ula said Parliament has enacted 63 laws directly tied to implementing the Constitution and an additional 471 laws aimed at strengthening governance, integrity and development.
Analysts say this legislative pace reflects Parliament’s central role in operationalizing the new order though concerns remain about enforcement and delays in passing key bills such as those on campaign finance.
Oversight and Accountability
The Speaker highlighted Parliament’s oversight record:
13 Appropriation Acts passed to finance national budgets,
98 treaties and conventions ratified to secure Kenya’s standing in the global arena,
1,200 citizen petitions considered, expanding public participation,
199 state officers vetted for top positions, and 3,400 parliamentary questions processed to hold the Executive accountable.
“This reflects a Parliament that is more open, accessible, and responsive to the people,” Wetang’ula said.
Beyond the Numbers
While the statistics point to active legislative and oversight work, civil society groups argue that Parliament has sometimes fallen short of defending the Constitution against executive overreach.
Cases of unconstitutional laws struck down by courts, delayed funding to counties, and persistent corruption scandals continue to test the resilience of the 2010 charter.
The Road Ahead
Wetang’ula urged Kenyans to recommit to the values of the Constitution, calling Katiba Day “a solemn moment of reflection on our journey, and a celebration of milestones we have made together as a people.”
“The journey continues, and the responsibility rests on us all,” he said.
Fifteen years after its promulgation, the 2010 Constitution remains both a symbol of Kenya’s democratic aspirations and a living document under constant negotiation.
Its scorecard shows progress, but also highlights that the promise of accountable, people-centered governance is still a work in progress.
