The Preamble of the Constitution of Kenya 2010
The Preamble serves as the heart and soul of the Constitution of Kenya, embodying the dreams, values, and aspirations that shape the nation.
It acts as a powerful foundation, grounding the Constitution in the shared heritage, unity, and hope of all Kenyans.
Here is what it says…
The Preamble
We, the people of Kenya–
ACKNOWLEDGING the supremacy of the Almighty God of all creation:
HONOURING those who heroically struggled to bring freedom and justice to our land:
PROUD of our ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, and determined to live in peace and unity as one indivisible sovereign nation:
RESPECTFUL of the environment, which is our heritage, and determined to sustain it for the benefit of future generations:
COMMITTED to nurturing and protecting the well-being of the individual, the family, communities and the nation:
RECOGNISING the aspirations of all Kenyans for a government based on the essential values of human rights, equality, freedom, democracy, social justice and the rule of law:
EXERCISING our sovereign and inalienable right to determine the form of governance of our country and having participated fully in the making of this Constitution:
ADOPT, ENACT and give this Constitution to ourselves and to our future generations.
GOD BLESS KENYA
Why the Preamble Matters
The Preamble highlights Kenya’s key principles such as equality, democracy, and environmental stewardship. It acts as a reminder of unity in diversity, respect for its heritage, and commitment to social justice and the rule of law.
Key Themes in the Preamble
- God’s Supremacy: We, the people of Kenya, acknowledge the Almighty God as the ultimate authority.
- Honoring Freedom Fighters: We celebrate the sacrifices of those who achieved justice and liberty.
- Unity in Diversity: We must peaceful coexistence among Kenya’s rich ethnic and cultural groups.
- Environmental Sustainability: It shares a commitment to protect Kenya’s natural heritage.
- Commitment to Justice: It upholds human rights, democracy, and equality for all citizens.
By recognizing these values, the Preamble serves as a declaration of purpose, guiding the Constitution’s framework and implementation. It’s not just an introduction—it’s a mission statement for the nation.
Quiz Time: Did You Understand the Preamble?
- What is the primary purpose of the Preamble to the Kenyan Constitution?
- A. To outline the specific rights of citizens
- B. To establish the structure of the government
- C. To provide a philosophical foundation for the Constitution
- D. To define the roles of the President and Vice President
Correct Answer (C)
- Which of the following values is NOT mentioned in the Preamble?
- A. Equality
- B. Wealth
- C. Freedom
- D. Democracy
Correct Answer: (B)
Did You Know This About The Constitution of Kenya?
- The Constitution of Kenya was enacted in August 2010, superseding the 1963 independence constitution. This is why its referred to as the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
- The Constitution is the supreme law of Kenya. This means that all other laws must be consistent with its provisions.
- The government is required to adhere to the principles and values outlined in the Constitution.
- There are eighteen (18) chapters in the Constitution of Kenya.
- There are 264 articles in these chapters, inclusive of the Preamble and the Schedules.
Quotable Quote“The 2010 constitution of Kenya is the most progressive constitution in Africa. The biggest gains of the 2010 constitution is the protection of human rights and respect for human dignity…”
– Hon.Gathoni Wamuchomba, HSC, MP@hon_wamuchomba
Additional Resources for Further Reading:
- The National Council for the Implementation of the Constitution: https://cohesion.go.ke/
- The Kenya Human Rights Commission: https://khrc.or.ke/
Finally…
The Preamble of the Constitution of Kenya is more than words on a page. It is a testament to the spirit of the Kenyan people and their dedication to building a just, united, and prosperous nation. Let the words of the Preamble inspire us to uphold these values for generations to come.
GOD BLESS KENYA.
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