Chapter 14, Part 1 · Art. 238

Principles of national security

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

Official text

(1) National security is the protection against internal and external threats to Kenya’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, its people, their rights, freedoms, property, peace, stability and prosperity, and other national interests.
(2) The national security of Kenya shall be promoted and guaranteed in accordance with the following principles—
  (a) national security is subject to the authority of this Constitution and Parliament;
  (b) national security shall be pursued in compliance with the law and with the utmost respect for the rule of law, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms;
  (c) in performing their functions and exercising their powers, national security organs shall respect the diverse culture of the communities within Kenya; and
  (d) recruitment by the national security organs shall reflect the diversity of the Kenyan people in equitable proportions.

In simple words

National security is protection against internal and external threats to Kenya's territorial integrity, sovereignty, people, rights, peace and prosperity.
Art. 238(1)
(1) National security is the protection against internal and external threats to Kenya’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, its people, their rights, freedoms, property, peace, stability and prosperity, and other national interests.
Read the full article →
National security is subject to the Constitution and Parliament, and must respect the rule of law, democracy and human rights.
Art. 238(2)
(2) The national security of Kenya shall be promoted and guaranteed in accordance with the following principles— (a) national security is subject to the authority of this Constitution and Parliament; (b) national security shall be pursued in compliance with the law and with the utmost respect for the rule of law, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms; (c) in performing their functions and exercising their powers, national security organs shall respect the diverse culture of the communities within Kenya; and (d) recruitment by the national security organs shall reflect the diversity of the Kenyan people in equitable proportions.
Read the full article →

Kids explanation

National security keeps the country and its people safe, and must follow the law and respect rights.
Art. 238(1)
(1) National security is the protection against internal and external threats to Kenya’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, its people, their rights, freedoms, property, peace, stability and prosperity, and other national interests.
Read the full article →