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Government Updated July 11, 2025

Legislative branch in Kenya

The legislative branch in Kenya makes and changes laws for the country. It also checks the government’s work to ensure fairness.

Category

Government

Use Case

Responsible for making, amending, and repealing laws in Kenya.

Variants

National Assembly, Senate

Key Features

In Simple Terms

What it is
The legislative branch in Kenya is like the country’s "law-making team." It’s a group of elected leaders who create, debate, and pass laws that affect everyone. Think of it as a school’s student council but for the whole country—instead of deciding on school rules, they decide on national rules.

Why people use it
This branch exists to ensure Kenyans have a say in how their country is run. Without it, laws could be made by just a few people without considering what’s best for everyone. Here’s how it helps in everyday life:
  • It protects citizens’ rights by making fair laws (like ensuring safe workplaces or clean water).
  • It holds the government accountable by questioning leaders who misuse power.
  • It decides how public money is spent (like building schools or fixing roads).

  • Basic examples
    Imagine the legislative branch as a group of chefs cooking a meal for the whole country. Here’s how their work shows up in real life:
  • If Kenyans complain about expensive healthcare, the legislative branch can pass laws to make it cheaper.
  • If a new road is needed in a village, they approve the budget to build it.
  • If a law is unfair (like one that silences critics), they can change or remove it.

  • The main players in this branch are the National Assembly (like the "main kitchen" where most laws are made) and the Senate (which focuses on county-level issues, like a "specialty chef" for local needs). Together, they ensure laws work for all Kenyans.

    Technical Details

    What it is


    The legislative branch in Kenya is one of the three arms of government, tasked with making, amending, and repealing laws. It falls under the category of a bicameral parliament, consisting of two chambers: the National Assembly and the Senate. Established under the 2010 Constitution, its primary role is to represent the people, oversee government operations, and ensure accountability.

    How it works


    The legislative process involves proposal, debate, and enactment of laws. Bills can originate from either chamber or the executive branch. Once introduced, a bill undergoes three readings, committee review, and public participation before being passed. Technology such as the Parliamentary Business Information System (PBIS) is used to manage legislative workflows, track bills, and facilitate virtual participation. Voting is conducted electronically or manually, with results displayed in real-time.

    Key components


  • National Assembly: Comprises 349 members, including elected representatives, nominated members, and ex-officio members. It handles money bills and general legislation.
  • Senate: Consists of 67 members representing counties. It focuses on county-level legislation and protects devolution.
  • Committees: Specialized groups (e.g., Budget Committee, Justice Committee) scrutinize bills and oversee government departments.
  • Speaker/Presiding Officers: Facilitate proceedings in each chamber and ensure adherence to parliamentary rules.

  • Common use cases


  • Lawmaking: Drafting and passing bills to address national or county issues.
  • Oversight: Summoning government officials to explain policies or expenditures.
  • Representation: Advocating for constituents' interests through motions and petitions.
  • Budget approval: Reviewing and approving national and county budgets.
  • Constitutional amendments: Initiating or vetting changes to the Constitution.