16 Years of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution: Gains Made but Challenges Remain, Ochoki Says

Jukwaa

📻 Breaking It Down

As the country marks 16 years since the promulgation of the Constitution, Ochoki, a former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) South West Branch chairperson, said the new constitutional dispensation fundamentally changed the relationship between citizens and the State by giving greater power to the people.

Speaking in Kisii, Ochoki described the 2010 Constitution as one of the most progressive in Africa, saying it had transformed governance and strengthened the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

“The 2010 Constitution gave power back to the people. We have seen gains in devolution, which has brought services closer to citizens, and a robust Bill of Rights that protects freedoms,” Ochoki said.

📌 What You Need to Know

Ochoki said devolution remains one of the most significant achievements of the Constitution, enabling counties to take responsibility for delivering services closer to citizens.

He also pointed to the expanded Bill of Rights, which provides constitutional protection for fundamental freedoms and strengthens citizens’ ability to demand accountability from public institutions.

According to Ochoki, the Constitution has further expanded Kenya’s democratic space and strengthened the separation of powers through checks and balances among the three arms of government.

He cited the promotion of gender equality, including the constitutional two-thirds gender principle, as another important milestone in the country’s constitutional journey.

Despite the progress, Ochoki said the country has yet to fully realise the promise of the 2010 Constitution.

He raised concerns over what he described as disregard for court orders, corruption, delays in implementing the two-thirds gender rule and the high cost of running devolved governments.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

0 0