This archive report was first published on 22 August 2020.
As Kenya marks 10 years since the adoption of its Constitution in 2010, it's a good time to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead. The Constitution, which was hailed as a major achievement, has been a mixed bag of progress and regress.
On August 27, 2010, Kenya celebrated a decade of its Constitution, which was seen as a major milestone in the country's history. The Constitution was a result of years of struggle and bloodshed, and it marked a significant shift from the 'imperial presidency' that had been in place since independence in 1963.
Under the new Constitution, the president's powers were significantly curtailed, and checks and balances were introduced to prevent the abuse of power. The Constitution also introduced devolution, which aimed to give more power to local governments and reduce the centralization of power in Nairobi.
However, despite these advances, Kenya still struggles with corruption, weak institutions, and unfulfilled promises. The Judiciary, which was expected to be a key player in upholding the Constitution, has been criticized for its slow pace and lack of independence. The national government has also been accused of starving counties of funds, leading to extreme poverty and inequality.
The leadership of the country has also been criticized for its lack of integrity, with many leaders accused of corruption and abuse of power. The current allegations of theft of Covid-19 funds are a stark reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead.
As Kenya looks to the future, it's clear that there is still much work to be done to fulfill the promise of the Constitution. Any improvements to the Constitution must prioritize the needs of the rank and file of Kenyans and address the underlying issues that have led to the country's stagnation.
