Governments of the Republic of Kenya
Contents |
Introduction |
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1. Genesis |
In this sections of governments, we will endeavour to show that organised and structured governments existed amongst the Kenyan communities. |
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Kenyatta's Government (1963-1978)
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We will then discuss the governments that the colonialists introduced into the country. The centralised all-powerful independence governments of Kenyatta and Moi and the ruling party KANU are examined further, before the narrative of Kibaki's coalition government of 2007-2013. |
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2. Government Under the New Constitution:
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Director of Public Prosecutions Advisory Committee on the Powers of Mercy
The Constitution of Kenya 2010, promises significant changes in government. In fact, it appears to create four arms of government, to include powerful and independent commissions and offices. Traditional organs such as the Police and the Public Prosecution offices will have far-reaching powers to enhance democracy and the rule of law. It is expected that a restructured Provincial Administration will co-ordinate government functions in the Counties. County governments will form the second level of government under the devolved system of government under the New Constitution. |
Introduction
Mankind has had a governing structure since the beginning of time. This structure has existed in different forms amongst different peoples at different times. For some, government and religion were inseparable twins to drive and advance community interests, and yet for others it was a well defined organ of their civilization and was the main driver of their aspirations. For most, if not all peoples, the reigns of government and power had well-defined succession systems via dynasties, age and experience, military fame, etc. In the last three hundred years, the spread of Protestant Christianity and other events led to the replacement of dynasties with democracies and the shape and form of government changed completely to what is now practiced the world over. Notable events that precluded this inflections of government include the American and French Revolutions, and the Puritan revolution before that.
Expansionist wars of yesteryears are no longer fought in the same form today. Rather, contemporary communities and countries engage in wars of a different form but same objectives i.e., to expand their influence, advantage and wealth. Simply put, economic wars constitute today's twin agendas of diplomacy and hostilities. Some of these wars are fought on industrial, trade, and market fronts, while others are played out in ideology and cultural dominance. It is for this reason that foreign policy is today one of the most important department of any government of the world.
Government in Kenya has undergone a complete metamorphosis from precolonial governments among different language groups, to the repressive capitalist rule by coersion by the colonialists, to post-independence government of the early sixties in the last century through the dictatorships of the 1970s to late 1990s, to the present day. And even now, government and democracy is still undergoing significant change in our country. The links in the table above point to discussions on this evolution of government enabling the reader to make the connection between what was and could have been, and what is and can be.
References:
1. Wikipedia.
2. Various online references.
3. Constitution of Kenya 2010. National Council for Law Reporting. The Attorney General.
