What type of government is in power in Kenya?
Kenya is a presidential republic and Commonwealth member. The Kenyan president is elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term and serves as both head of state and head of government.
Kenyan Political System
Kenya has functioned under a presidential republic regime since its independence in 1963. The country is part of the Commonwealth, an organization that brings together former British colonies.
Functioning of Executive Power
The President of the Republic holds both the powers of head of state and head of government. He is elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of five years renewable once. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must obtain more than 50% of national votes and at least 25% of votes in the majority of the 47 counties.
Institutional Structure
- Bicameral Parliament: National Assembly (349 deputies) and Senate (67 senators)
- Independent judicial power with the Supreme Court as the highest authority
- Decentralized system with 47 counties led by elected governors