The Role of the President in Kenya

The President of Kenya is one of the most powerful and influential figures in the country. He/she is responsible for leading the nation and ensuring that the government functions effectively.

When we understand the role of the President, we appreciate the significant responsibilities that come with the office and the impact the President has on our lives.

Here’s a breakdown of the powers and responsibilities of the President in Kenya.

Head of State: The Face of the Nation

As the Head of State, the President represents Kenya both at home and abroad. This means the President is the symbol of national unity and the highest representative of the country in international matters.

Whether attending global summits, signing treaties, or welcoming foreign leaders, the President plays a key role in shaping Kenya’s image on the world stage.

In other words: Think of the President as the captain of a sports team. When the team (Kenya) goes to compete internationally, the captain represents the entire team, making important decisions and building relationships with other teams (countries).

Real-Life Example: When former President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the United Nations General Assembly, he spoke on behalf of Kenya, addressing global issues like climate change and terrorism, and showcasing Kenya’s stance on these matters.

Head of Government: Leading the Executive Branch

The President is also the Head of Government, which means he or she is responsible for running the country’s government.

This includes overseeing the work of the Cabinet, which is made up of Cabinet Secretaries who head different ministries like Health, Education, and Interior.

The President appoints these Cabinet Secretaries and works with them to implement government policies and deliver services to the people.

In other words: Imagine the President as the CEO of a company, where the company is Kenya. The President appoints managers (Cabinet Secretaries) to run different departments (ministries) and makes sure that the company (country) operates smoothly and effectively.

Real-Life Example: In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the President at the time, Uhuru Kenyatta, worked closely with the Cabinet Secretary for Health to implement measures like curfews and lockdowns to protect Kenyans from the virus.

Commander-in-Chief: Protecting the Nation

One of the most important responsibilities of the President is to serve as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). This means that the President has the authority to deploy the military to protect the country’s borders, maintain peace, and respond to emergencies. 

The President also makes key decisions about national security and defense.

In other words: Think of the President as the head coach of a football team, where the KDF is the team. The head coach decides the strategies, calls the plays, and makes sure the team is ready to defend the goal (country) against any threats.

Real-Life Example: In 2011, under the late President Mwai Kibaki, the KDF was deployed to Somalia to fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. This decision was made to protect Kenya’s security and prevent terrorist attacks within the country.

Lawmaker: Shaping the Legal Framework

The President has a significant role in the law-making process. While the President does not make laws directly, he or she has the power to influence legislation by proposing bills to Parliament, known as government bills.

Once Parliament passes a bill, it is sent to the President for assent. If the President agrees with the bill, he or she signs it into law. If not, the President can send it back to Parliament with recommendations for changes.

In other words: Think of the President as the editor of a newspaper (laws). The reporters (MPs) write the articles (bills), but before they are published, the editor (President) reviews them, makes any necessary changes, and gives the final approval.

Real-Life Example: In 2019, former President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the Data Protection Act into law, which established rules for how personal data should be handled in Kenya, so as to protect citizens’ privacy rights.

Diplomat-in-Chief: Building International Relations

The President is Kenya’s top diplomat, responsible for managing the country’s relationships with other nations.

This includes negotiating treaties, signing international agreements, and representing Kenya at global events. The President also appoints ambassadors to represent Kenya in other countries.

Example: Imagine the President as the captain of a ship, where the ship is Kenya. The captain (President) navigates the ship through international waters, building alliances with other ships (countries) to ensure safe and prosperous journeys.

Real-Life Example: President William Ruto's role as a diplomat is his recent State Visit to the United States in May 2024. During this visit, he engaged in discussions with U.S. President Joe Biden, which resulted in several significant investment deals aimed at enhancing cooperation between Kenya and the U.S.

Guardian of the Constitution: Upholding the Rule of Law

The President has a solemn duty to uphold and protect the Constitution of Kenya.
This means that the President must ensure that all government actions and policies are in line with the Constitution. This responsibility is enshrined in the Constitution, which states that the President shall respect, uphold and safeguard the Constitution.

In other words: Think of the President as the referee in a football match, ensuring that all players (government officials) follow the rules of the game (Constitution) and that the game is played fairly.

Real-Life Example: President Uhuru Kenyatta upheld the Constitution is his response to the Supreme Court ruling on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). In March 2022, the Supreme Court upheld previous rulings that declared the BBI constitutional amendment process initiated by Kenyatta as unconstitutional. By accepting the Supreme Court's decision, Kenyatta demonstrated a commitment to upholding the rule of law and the constitutional process.

Why The Role of the President of Kenya Matters to You

The President’s powers and responsibilities have a direct impact on the lives of every Kenyan. From shaping laws to protecting the nation, the President’s decisions affect everything from the economy to national security.

By understanding the role of the President, you appreciate the importance of this office and the need for strong, fair, and visionary leadership.

As a citizen, it’s important to stay informed about the actions of the President and hold the office accountable, ensuring that the government works in the best interests of all Kenyans.

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