The Three Branches of Government in Kenya: Who Does What?

Ever wondered how decisions are made in Kenya?

The answer lies in the delicate balance of power between the three branches of government, which are the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary.

But who does what? Here’s a break down the three branches of government in Kenya and the roles they play in governing the nation.

1. The Executive: Running the Country

The Executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. 

This branch is led by the President, who is the head of state and government. The President is supported by the Deputy President and the Cabinet, which includes Cabinet Secretaries in charge of different ministries like Education, Health, and Interior.

In other words: Imagine the Executive as the team captain in a football game. The captain (President) makes important decisions about how the game is played and ensures that all team members (Cabinet Secretaries) are doing their jobs.

Real-Life Example: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Kenya, it was the Executive branch, through the Ministry of Health, that implemented measures like curfews and social distancing to protect citizens. This demonstrated the Executive's responsibility in managing national emergencies.

2. The Legislature: Making the Laws

The Legislature, also known as Parliament, is responsible for making and passing laws. 

It is made up of two houses: the National Assembly and the Senate.

Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly represent the people and make laws that affect the whole country.

Senators in the Senate represent counties and protect the interests of county governments.

In other words: Think of the Legislature as the chefs in a restaurant. They create the menu (laws) that guides how the restaurant (country) is run.

Real-Life Example: In 2010, the Kenyan Parliament passed the new Constitution, which was a significant change in how Kenya is governed. This document outlines the rights of all Kenyans and the structure of our government, showing how Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.

3. The Judiciary: Upholding Justice

The Judiciary is the branch that interprets the laws and ensures they are applied fairly. It includes all the courts in Kenya, from the Magistrates' Courts to the Supreme Court. The Judiciary makes sure that everyone, including the government, follows the law. If there is a dispute, the Judiciary steps in to resolve it.

In other words: Imagine the Judiciary as the referee in a football match. If a player breaks a rule, the referee (judge) steps in to make a fair decision, like awarding a penalty. Similarly, if someone is accused of a crime, the courts will decide whether they are guilty or not based on the law.

Real-Life Example: When there is a disagreement about election results, like in the 2017 presidential election, it is the Judiciary that decides if the election was conducted fairly. In this case, the Supreme Court nullified the results and ordered a new election.

Why This Matters to You

Whether it’s the Executive managing public services, the Legislature making laws, or the Judiciary ensuring fairness, each branch plays a vital role in our lives as Kenyans.

By knowing what each branch does, we can be citizens who know who to hold accountable and where to turn when we need help.

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