Civil society organisations have called for renewed efforts to defend Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, warning that constitutionalism, democratic institutions and civic space remain under threat ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The call was made on Thursday during a Katiba Day forum convened by several civil society organisations, including TISA Kenya, ACT!, Uraia Trust, Katiba Institute and other partners, under the theme, “The People’s Power, Constitutionalism and Democracy Ahead of 2027.”
The forum brought together civil society actors, human rights defenders and citizens to assess the implementation of the Constitution 16 years after its promulgation, while examining challenges facing civic participation and democratic institutions.
Delivering the keynote address, Uraia Trust Executive Director Oliver Waindi said Kenya’s constitutional journey had always centred on the question of how much power those in government should have over citizens.
“Our journey as Kenya has been marked by this struggle, from the concentration of power in the presidency, the fight for multiparty democracy, to the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution that sought to fundamentally change the relationship between citizens and the State,” Waindi said.
He described the Constitution as being at a critical stage of its development, saying its 16 years of existence provided an opportunity for citizens to ask difficult questions about its implementation.
“Now, our Constitution is a teenager. Old enough to ask difficult questions. Independent enough to challenge what doesn’t make sense. And still growing,” he said.
TISA Kenya Head of Programmes Alexander Riithi said access to timely, accurate and understandable government information was critical to the full implementation of the Constitution.
“Achieving full implementation of the Constitution requires the government to provide timely, accessible, and accurate information at all times when citizens demand it and not hide behind institutions and approvals,” Riithi said.
He said civil society organisations often had to simplify highly technical government information to make it accessible to ordinary citizens, while some information sought by the public remained unavailable.
Riithi warned that without adequate access to information, citizens could not meaningfully participate in constitutional governance.
“Above all today, should serve as a reminder that if the government does not provide adequate information in a manner that citizens can understand, it makes it very difficult for us to adequately participate in constitutionalism,” he said.
ForumCiv, Eastern and Southern Africa Programme Manager Titus Kuria said democracy was currently facing significant threats, but maintained that the 2010 Constitution had provided Kenyans with a strong rights-based framework.
He said the Constitution’s Bill of Rights had given citizens avenues for seeking redress when their rights were violated.
“Our continuous rallying call today is we must be willing to defend it because it cannot defend itself. We must demand for the best from our representatives,” Kuria said.
Katiba Institute Head of Litigation Chris Kerkering urged Kenyans to recognise and exercise the sovereign power vested in them by the Constitution as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.
He said citizens must continue asking difficult questions and hold leaders accountable to constitutional requirements.
“As we look ahead to 2027, we must keep asking the uncomfortable questions, hold our leaders to what the Constitution prescribes, and demand a relationship between citizens and leaders built on rights, accountability and participation,” Kerkering said.
Kituo Cha Sheria Executive Director Dr Wambua Kituku said Kenya was yet to fully realise the promise of the 2010 Constitution, pointing to continued concerns over extrajudicial killings, electoral justice and the weakening of institutions established to protect citizens’ rights.
“Today we are reminding ourselves of the power we hold as Kenyan citizens,” Kituku said.
He argued that watchdog, prosecutorial and judicial institutions had faced increasing challenges despite their constitutional mandate to protect rights and promote citizens’ sovereignty.
Kituku said the Constitution represented both a victory for Kenyans who fought for greater rights and a challenge to structures that had historically concentrated power.
“The Constitution of Kenya is a declaration of the victory for the people. It also reflects a surrendered document for those who oppressed Kenyans,” he said.
He called for a renewed national conversation on how citizens could reposition the constitutional struggle and strengthen efforts to defend the gains made since 2010.
The civil society actors said the 16th anniversary should therefore not only be a moment to celebrate the Constitution but also an opportunity for citizens to reflect on their responsibilities in protecting democratic gains.
Kenya marks Katiba Day on August 27, an annual national observance established after President William Ruto proclaimed the day in 2025. The day commemorates the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and is intended to promote constitutional awareness, encourage civic engagement and foster reflection on governance.
As the country moves towards the 2027 General Election, the organisations urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, demand accountability from elected leaders and actively participate in defending constitutionalism, the rule of law and their sovereign rights.
