Katiba Day 2026: Elachi calls for constitutional audit 16 years after 2010 Constitution

Beatrice Elachi, a Member of Parliament representing Dagoretti North, has urged a thorough examination of Kenya's 2010 Constitution 16 years after it came into effect. Speaking on K24 TV's morning breakfast show on August 27, 2026, Elachi argued that it was time to evaluate the Constitution's progress, challenges, and areas requiring reform.

The 2010 Constitution marked a significant shift in governance through the introduction of devolution, expanding the Bill of Rights, and establishing new checks and balances among institutions.

Elachi acknowledged the benefits of devolution, citing the creation of county governments, better resource allocation to citizens, and fundamental changes in development and governance approaches. She credited former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for championing devolution during the constitutional reform process. However, the MP also highlighted issues with implementation, particularly the tendency of governors to assume excessive powers from the national government.

She argued that adhering strictly to the initial plan for shared responsibilities between both levels of government could have led to greater growth.

As discussions surrounding the 2010 Constitution evolve from the need for constitutional changes to evaluating the implementation of its provisions, Elachi's call for an audit reflects growing concerns about the extent to which the reforms have been realized. Questions remain regarding the effectiveness of the relationship between national and county governments, the financing of devolution, and the implementation of various constitutional provisions.