Kenya · Government
Government and administration in Kenya
How the executive, legislature and administrative state are organised, and which body is responsible for what.
The three branches
- Executive — President and Deputy President with Cabinet
- Five-year term, renewable once; requires 50% plus one and 25% in half the counties.
- Legislative — National Assembly and Senate
- 349 members and 67 senators; Senate protects county interests.
- Judicial — Superior and subordinate courts
- Judicial Service Commission controls appointments and discipline.
- Devolved — 47 county governments
- Governors and county assemblies with constitutional revenue shares.
How legislation is made
Bills are read three times with committee scrutiny and public participation, which the courts treat as a justiciable requirement. Bills concerning counties must pass both chambers. The President assents or refers the bill back with reservations, which Parliament may override by two-thirds.
Enforcement institutions
- National Police Service
- Under an independent Inspector-General with civilian oversight by IPOA.
- Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
- Constitutionally independent prosecution service.
- Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
- Investigates corruption and enforces Chapter Six integrity duties.
Government bodies and regulators
- judicialThe Judiciary of KenyaAdministers the courts established under Chapter 10 of the 2010 Constitution.
- executiveKenya Revenue AuthorityAssesses and collects national tax and customs duty.
- independentOffice of the Data Protection CommissionerEnforces the Data Protection Act 2019.
- executiveDirectorate of Immigration and Citizen ServicesIssues passports, permits and the electronic travel authorisation.
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