The Republic

Article 4 — Declaration of the Republic

1. Kenya is a sovereign Republic.
2. The Republic of Kenya shall be a multi-party democratic State founded on the national values and principles of governance referred to in Article 10.

Article 5 — Territory of Kenya

Kenya consists of the territory and territorial waters comprising Kenya on the effective date, and any additional territory and territorial waters as defined by an Act of Parliament.

Article 6 — Devolution and access to services

1. The territory of Kenya is divided into the counties specified in the First Schedule.
2. The governments at the national and county levels are distinct and inter-dependent and shall conduct their mutual relations on the basis of consultation and cooperation.
3. A national State organ shall ensure reasonable access to its services in all parts of the Republic, so far as it is appropriate to do so having regard to the nature of the service.

Article 7 — National, official and other languages

1. The national language of the Republic is Kiswahili.
2. The official languages of the Republic are Kiswahili and English.
3. The State shall promote and protect the diversity of language of the people of Kenya; and promote the development and use of indigenous languages, Kenyan Sign language, Braille and other communication formats and technologies accessible to persons with disabilities.

Article 8 — State and religion

There shall be no State religion.

Article 9 — National symbols and national days

National symbols include the national flag, national anthem, coat of arms, and public seal (as set out in the Second Schedule). National days include Madaraka Day (1 June), Mashujaa Day (20 October), and Jamhuri Day (12 December). A national day is a public holiday.

Article 10 — National values and principles of governance

These values bind all State organs, State officers, public officers and all persons when applying or interpreting the Constitution, any law, or public policy. They include patriotism, national unity, the rule of law, democracy, human dignity, equity, social justice, human rights, good governance, integrity, transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.

Article 11 — Culture

Culture is recognised as the foundation of the nation and the cumulative civilisation of the Kenyan people and nation. The State shall promote national and cultural expression, indigenous technologies, and intellectual property rights; Parliament may enact legislation on compensation for use of cultural heritage and on indigenous seeds and plant varieties.

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