Keynan: Kenya has a president who governs in accordance with the constitution

Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan has defended Kenya's constitutional system, asserting that President does not wield unchecked power. Speaking on a regional radio show, Keynan argued that Kenya's political system differs significantly from countries that achieved rapid economic growth under military or centralized rule. He emphasized that Kenya is a democratic society where the president operates within the boundaries of the 2010 Constitution.

Keynan differentiated Kenya's system from the political histories of Asia's "Tiger" economies, noting that those nations experienced military rule, which suspended constitutions or concentrated executive authority.

He compared Kenya's governance structure to those of countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea, highlighting that these nations underwent military regimes before transitioning to more democratic systems. Keynan stressed that Kenya maintains a constitutional democratic system with a clear separation of powers among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, each retaining their constitutional independence.

The MP underscored the importance of institutional checks and balances in preventing the presidency from becoming an unchecked center of power.

Keynan also pointed out the role of the media, civil society organizations, and other actors in scrutinizing government decisions and shaping public discourse. He highlighted that Kenya's democratic space allows institutions to challenge executive decisions, including through the courts, as part of the constitutional order established in 2010.

The MP defended the requirement for public participation in government and legislative processes, acknowledging its potential to make decision-making more laborious but emphasizing its significance as a constitutional safeguard. He noted that Parliament is currently working on legislation to provide clearer parameters for public participation, aimed at resolving uncertainties arising from court decisions and the lack of a specific law governing the process.

Addressing the need for the Constitution to remain responsive to emerging challenges, Keynan cited the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and social media platforms as examples of developments that were not foreseen when the Constitution was promulgated in 2010. He argued that technological changes create new governance questions that require laws and institutions to adapt.

Keynan emphasized that the Constitution should be viewed as a dynamic document capable of responding to Kenya's evolving political, economic, social, and technological realities. His comments come as Kenya marks 16 years since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, amidst renewed debates over its implementation, constitutional reforms, and the country's political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.