Significance of External Environment to Public Organisations

Question.

How the new constitution has promoted democracy in Kenya

Introduction

Understanding the new constitution

Kenyans went to a referendum and voted to adopt a new constitution to replace the previous one that had been negotiated at independence from the British on August 4, 2010. In the years since independence, Kenya experienced periods of human rights violations including land clashes, massacres such as the Wagalla massacre, extrajudicial killings, detention without trial, torture, electoral violence, grand corruption and economic crimes. All these were a function of constitutional order that concentrated power in the presidency which succeeded in emasculating other arms of government and civil society. The implementation of the new constitution is vital for Kenya’s transition from autocratic rule to a stable democracy. The new constitution establishes a framework for the restoration of constitutional democracy in Kenya. For instance, it is strengthening the likelihood of accountability for the past human rights abuses hence is a very important pillar of Kenya’s transitional justice process.

Understanding the concept of democracy

Democracy is a political form of government in which governing power is derived from the people, either by direct referendum (direct democracy) or by means of elected representatives of the people (representative democracy). Democracy is the government of the people by the people and for the people. Democracy functions to promote good governance in which the people have a say in the day to day matters of government. The principles of checks and balances are put in place in order to deter whatever that may be headed towards the extreme. Balances play a vital role in distribution of power and resources to every institution of the government thus legislature, judiciary and executive. Therefore, the balance between democracy and efficiency mechanism promotes good governance and deters if not eliminating excesses that can...