Chapter 1 · Art. 1

Sovereignty of the people

2010-as-amended · effective 2010-08-27

Official text

(1) All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with this Constitution.
(2) The people may exercise their sovereign power either directly or through their democratically elected representatives.
(3) Sovereign power under this Constitution is delegated to the following State organs, which shall perform their functions in accordance with this Constitution—
  (a) Parliament and the legislative assemblies in the county governments;
  (b) the national executive and the executive structures in the county governments; and
  (c) the Judiciary and independent tribunals.
(4) The sovereign power of the people is exercised at—
  (a) the national level; and
  (b) the county level.

In simple words

All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya.
Art. 1(1)
(1) All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with this Constitution.
Read the full article →
The people exercise their power directly or through elected representatives.
Art. 1(2)
(2) The people may exercise their sovereign power either directly or through their democratically elected representatives.
Read the full article →
Power is exercised at the national level and the county level.
Art. 1(4)
(4) The sovereign power of the people is exercised at— (a) the national level; and (b) the county level.
Read the full article →

Kids explanation

The country belongs to the people. Leaders only have power because the people give it to them.
Art. 1(1)
(1) All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with this Constitution.
Read the full article →