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KenyaSimplified

Chapter 2 · Art. 11

Culture

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

Official text

(1) This Constitution recognises culture as the foundation of the nation and as the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people and nation.
(2) The State shall—
  (a) promote all forms of national and cultural expression through literature, the arts, traditional celebrations, science, communication, information, mass media, publications, libraries and other cultural heritage;
  (b) recognise the role of science and indigenous technologies in the development of the nation; and
  (c) promote the intellectual property rights of the people of Kenya.
(3) Parliament shall enact legislation to—
  (a) ensure that communities receive compensation or royalties for the use of their cultures and cultural heritage; and
  (b) recognise and protect the ownership of indigenous seeds and plant varieties, their genetic and diverse characteristics and their use by the communities of Kenya.
In simple words
  • The Constitution recognises culture as the foundation of the nation.
    Art. 11(1)

    (1) This Constitution recognises culture as the foundation of the nation and as the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people and nation.

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  • The State must promote cultural expression, science and indigenous technologies.
    Art. 11(2)

    (2) The State shall— (a) promote all forms of national and cultural expression through literature, the arts, traditional celebrations, science, communication, information, mass media, publications, libraries and other cultural heritage; (b) recognise the role of science and indigenous technologies in the development of the nation; and (c) promote the intellectual property rights of the people of Kenya.

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  • Communities must receive compensation or royalties for the use of their cultures and cultural heritage.
    Art. 11(3)(a)

    (a) ensure that communities receive compensation or royalties for the use of their cultures and cultural heritage; and

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Kids explanation
  • Our cultures are important, and the government must promote and protect them.
    Art. 11(1)

    (1) This Constitution recognises culture as the foundation of the nation and as the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people and nation.

    Read the full article →

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