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Kenya: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President William Ruto
Head of Government:
President William Ruto

Overview

Government Name:
Republic of Kenya
Constitution:
Adopted: 2010; Established a republic form of government, separation of the three branches of government, sovereignty of the people along with a bill of rights.
Government Type:
Presidential Republic
Republic of Kenya Flag
Coat of Arms of Republic of Kenya

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

C
A very uncertain political and economic outlook and a business environment with many troublesome weaknesses can have a significant impact on corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is high. Source: Coface (2024)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

Serves as head of state and government and wields the most power. Appoints the cabinet, is in charge of executory tasks, and can ban political parties.

Elected by qualified majority vote.

5 years
Judicial

Independent of other branches and has unlimited jurisdiction to hear and decide on any case.

Chief and deputy chief justices are nominated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and appointed by the president with the national assembly's approval. Other judges are nominated by the JSC and appointed by the president.

Mandatory retirement age of 70
Legislative

Consists of the Senate and National Assembly, which are in charge of creating laws and policies.

The Senate has 68 members. The National Assembly has 350.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
COMESA
EAC

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Kenya Revenue Authority
Tax Name:
VAT

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/