NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto is leading the country in marking 16 years since the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 during the Katiba@16 celebrations being held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
The celebrations, taking place today, August 27, bring together senior Government officials, constitutional office holders, leaders of independent commissions, representatives of the Judiciary, Parliament and other stakeholders to reflect on the progress made since the Constitution came into force.
President Ruto is accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the country commemorates the historic promulgation of the Constitution on August 27, 2010.
President Ruto: The “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda” was, from the outset, designed as an instrument for the implementation of the Constitution. That is why over the last four years, we have been translating constitutional obligations into practical benefits across healthcare, housing, education, agriculture, and devolution
Ruto noted that the Constitution serves two equally important principles, establishing offices and restrains power. It shares authority, creates checks and balances, protects fundamental freedoms, and provides remedies against abuse.
The 2010 Constitution fundamentally transformed Kenya’s governance system by introducing a devolved system of government, strengthening Parliament’s oversight role, expanding the Bill of Rights and establishing institutions intended to provide greater checks and balances in the exercise of state power.
“A government of equality, human rights, freedom, democracy, social justice and the rule of law” students from Pangani and Jamhuri High Schools recite the preamble of the Constitution, which critics say has never been fully upheld by the Kenyan government, in the presence of President William Ruto.
The Constitution created 47 county governments, transferring significant political and economic decision-making powers and resources from the national Government to counties.
The Katiba@16 celebrations are expected to provide an opportunity for national leaders and other stakeholders to assess the gains made over the past 16 years while reflecting on areas requiring further implementation.
The event also features discussions on constitutional governance and the country’s progress in implementing the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution.
The celebrations follow President Ruto’s proclamation of August 27 as Katiba Day, an annual occasion dedicated to commemorating the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and reminding Kenyans of their responsibility to uphold and protect the supreme law of the land.
The 2026 ceremony at KICC comes a year after the inaugural Katiba Day celebrations held at the same venue to mark 15 years of the Constitution.
The Constitution was formally promulgated by former President Mwai Kibaki on August 27, 2010, following years of constitutional reform efforts and a nationwide referendum.
The ongoing celebrations are expected to culminate in a renewed call for Kenyans to protect constitutionalism, democratic governance, human rights and the rule of law.