Chapter 7

Representation of the People

Articles 81–92

Electoral system and boundaries

In the classroom: Elections must be free and fair; the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) manages elections; constituencies and wards are reviewed periodically.

Article 81 — General principles of the electoral system

Free and fair elections; secret ballot; fair representation; fair campaigning.

Article 82 — Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission

IEBC is established; its functions and independence are protected.

Article 88 — Delimitation of electoral units

Review of constituency and ward boundaries; population equality and other factors.

Multiple choice — 10 questions

Think of your answer, then open Correct answer & explanation for each question.

1. Elections must be free and fair under:

A) Article 81 B) Article 1 C) Article 94 D) Chapter Two

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 81 sets general principles of the electoral system.

2. The commission that conducts elections and manages boundaries is:

A) The Cabinet B) The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Article 82) C) The Senate alone D) County assemblies

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 82 establishes the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

3. Article 88 concerns:

A) Taxation B) Delimitation of electoral units C) Land only D) Foreign policy

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 88 deals with delimitation of constituencies and wards.

4. Chapter Seven covers:

A) Judiciary B) Representation of the people (electoral system) C) Public finance D) National security

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Chapter Seven is titled Representation of the People.

5. Voting must be by secret ballot under Article 81 principles:

A) False B) True C) Only optional D) Only for President

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 81(1)(e) includes free and fair elections by secret ballot.

6. If an election is not free and fair, the Constitution’s framework is:

A) Irrelevant B) Violated — Article 81 and 38 are central C) Only a political matter D) County issue only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: B — Article 81 and 38 require free and fair elections and political participation.

7. Article 83 requires that a person is disqualified from voting if:

A) They are of unsound mind or declared bankrupt B) They are over 18 C) They pay taxes D) They live in a county

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 83 sets disqualifications for registration as a voter.

8. Article 86 requires Parliament to enact legislation to provide for:

A) The resolution of electoral disputes B) Only the budget C) County songs D) Military ranks

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 86 requires legislation on resolution of electoral disputes.

9. Article 89 divides Kenya into counties for purposes of:

A) Devolution B) Only tourism C) Only agriculture D) Foreign embassies

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 89 provides for the boundaries of counties.

10. The right to vote is in:

A) Article 38 B) Article 94 C) Article 1 D) Chapter One

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 38 guarantees political rights including the right to vote.

← Previous chapter Course home Next chapter →