Chapter 14

National Security

Articles 238–247

Defence and law enforcement

In the classroom: National security is subject to the Constitution; the military and police serve the people; civilian authority is supreme over the military; national security organs must respect rights.

Article 238 — National security organs

Kenya Defence Forces, National Intelligence Service, National Police Service.

Article 240 — Establishment of Defence Forces

KDF is established; Commander-in-Chief is the President.

Article 244 — National Police Service

Functions include compliance with constitutional standards; respect for human rights.

Multiple choice — 10 questions

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

1. National security organs include:

A) KDF, NIS, and National Police Service (Article 238) B) Only chiefs C) Only counties D) Foreign armies

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 238 lists national security organs.

2. Civilian authority is supreme over the military under:

A) Article 239(5) B) Article 94 C) Article 1 D) Chapter Two

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 239(5) affirms civilian authority over the military.

3. Chapter Fourteen covers:

A) National security B) Public finance only C) Citizenship D) Land only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Chapter Fourteen is titled National Security.

4. The Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces is:

A) The President (Article 131) B) Chief Justice C) Speaker D) Governor

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 131 makes the President Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.

5. The National Police Service must:

A) Comply with constitutional standards and human rights (Article 244) B) Ignore the Bill of Rights C) Act only abroad D) Report only to counties

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 244 sets standards for the National Police Service.

6. National security is subject to:

A) Authority of the Constitution and Parliament (Article 238) B) No law C) Only military law D) County assemblies

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 238(2) states national security is subject to the authority of the Constitution and Parliament.

7. The National Security Council advises on:

A) Integrating domestic, foreign, and military policy (Article 239) B) School exams C) County budgets D) Election petitions

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 239 establishes the National Security Council and its coordinating role.

8. Deployment of KDF in support of civil authority requires:

A) Parliamentary approval except in limited circumstances (Article 241) B) No approval ever C) County vote D) Senate only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 241 regulates deployment of the Defence Forces.

9. Intelligence functions must respect:

A) Rights and freedoms in the Bill of Rights B) No limits C) Only foreign law D) County wishes only

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 29 and national security provisions require respect for fundamental rights.

10. The Inspector-General of Police is appointed under:

A) Article 245 B) Article 94 C) Article 81 D) Article 1

Correct answer & explanation

Correct: A — Article 245 provides for the National Police Service and Inspector-General.

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