Politics & Government Guide in Kenya

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Kenya operates as a presidential republic under the 2010 Constitution with a devolved system of 47 counties. President William Ruto leads amid challenges including corruption, security force brutality, and youth-led protests against economic policies. Multiparty elections occur regularly, though institutional weaknesses and ethnic politics persist.

Political Stability

Poor

Corruption Index

Below Average

Democracy Index

Moderate

Government Type

Presidential Republic

Legal System

Mixed legal system of English common law, customary law, and Islamic law

Head of State

President William Ruto(since 2022)

Head of Government

President William Ruto(United Democratic Alliance)since 2022

Political Indicators

Political Stability

-0.25Rank #112

Scale: -2.5 to 2.5

Moderate

World Bank (2024)

Corruption Index

31Rank #121

Scale: 0-100

Transparency International (2024)

Press Freedom

52.07Rank #108

Scale: 0-100

Reporters Without Borders (2024)

Democracy Index

5.05Rank #96

Scale: 0-10

Hybrid Regime

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:bicameral

Upper House:Senate (68 seats)

Lower House:National Assembly (350 seats)

Major Political Parties

United Democratic Alliance(UDA)

Center-right

169 seats

Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition(Azimio)

Center-left

133 seats

Voting Rights

All Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote in national and local elections

Recent Developments

Executive Order No. 1 of 2023 reorganized the structure of the Government of Kenya
Widespread anti-tax protests in 2024 led to the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024
Supreme Court affirmed President Ruto's 2022 election victory amid ongoing political tensions

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution2010

Counties47