The Constitutional Reform Movement in Kenya emerged in the 1990s as part of the broader Second Liberation, demanding comprehensive changes to the independence era constitution. Activists argued that the 1963 constitution, heavily amended during the Kenyatta and Moi eras, concentrated too much power in the presidency and lacked adequate checks and balances. The movement brought together civil society organizations, religious leaders, lawyers, and opposition politicians. The 2001 Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC) led by Professor Yash Pal Ghai conducted nationwide consultations, producing the Bomas Draft in 2004. However, political interference gutted key reforms, leading to the defeat of the Wako Draft in the 2005 referendum. The movement regained momentum after the 2007 post election violence, ultimately succeeding in passing a new constitution in 2010 that devolved power, strengthened institutions, and included a Bill of Rights.
See Also
The 2010 Constitution Process The Constitution of 2010 Kibaki and the Rainbow Coalition
Sources
- Ghai, Yash Pal. 'Kenyan Constitution Review.' African Affairs, 2008.
- Branch, Daniel and Nic Cheeseman. 'Democratization, Sequencing, and State Failure in Africa.' African Affairs, 2009.
- Murunga, Godwin R. 'Kenya: The Struggle for Democracy.' Zed Books, 2007.