Identify five features of the Independence constitution

1. It provided for the establishment of a federal government
2. It spelt out that the party with the majority formed the government
3. It  spelt out the rights and obligation of individual /citizens
4. It provided for the establishment of National Assembly consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives
5. It provided for a position post of prime minister to head the government and governor General to head the state
6. It spelt out the powers and responsibilities of the Central Government and regional Governments
7. It established regional governments with regional assemblies and presidents
8. It divided responsibilities between regional governments and the central government

Identify the chief executive of the county government.

• The Governor

Identify two problems that have been experienced in the constitution making process in Kenya.

1. inadequate funds to finance the exercise
2. political interference in the whole exercise with selfish interests
3. External interference by developed countries
4. Illiteracy among the people with some unable to read and write

Describe five features of the independence constitution of Kenya.

1. It provided for a Governor General who was the head of state on behalf of Queen.
2. It provided for an independent Judiciary to ensure justice and to prevent corruption
3. It set up a judicial service commission to appoint the chief justice
4. It provides for six regional Governments and Assemblies  whose power included control of land, education, health and the police.
5. It provided for the position of a prime minister as the head of Government
6. It provided for the tenure of the office of the judges and the Attorney General
7. It provided for a bicameral House consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Identify five requirements in the constitution making process.

1. Provision of civic education
2. Collecting views from the public
3. Drafting the constitution (by a special body)
4. The draft constitution is published for the public/disseminated
5. The Review commission holds public hearings in all the areas for further recommendations
6. The agreed upon issues are re-drafted and presented to the Attorney General by review commission
7. If certain issues are rejected/contested  at the conference, the commission organizes a referendum for the public to vote
8. The Attorney General publishes the draft constitution in form of a Bill
9. It is introduced in parliament for enactment.

Characteristics of a good constitution

1. should be definite and specific in content
2. should be comprehensive covering all aspects of Government
3. should be durable and elastic.  Be able to avoid being tampered with but flexible to accommodate changing needs of the society
4. be able to protect the changing but fundamental rights of citizens.
5. must give room for amendment and clearly state the procedure

Advantages of a written constitution   (10mks)

1. It is rigid and cannot be altered on manipulated by politicians or interested groups.
2. It is readily available for reference since it is in one document
3. In crisis, it provides very clear guidelines on the procedures to be followed ensuring stability in the country e. g  death of a president
4. It is fundamental to the newly formed nations e.g Kenya, south Sudan to take off in an orderly manner.
5. Countries with ethnic and religious diversity require a written constitution so that the indentity  of the various groups are preserved and maintained.
6. It is supported by the majority of the citizens e.g  70% in a referendum.  

Why are parliamentary elections held regularly in Kenya

Constitution and Constitution Making for Topical History Questions and Answers

The role of opposition parties in government and nation building