Kenyans appreciate the supreme law but are unsure about some clauses

The National Assembly has been in the forefront in attempts to amend the Constitution and in the introduction of bills that have been criticised as express violations of the supreme law.

Just this week, two constitutional amendment bills were voted on by members. The Kenya Constitution Amendment Bill (No 1) and the Kenya Constitution Amendment Bill (No 2) are proof that the Constitution may not have been entirely perfect.

The  first bill sought to change the election date from August to December, while the second sought to give MPs immunity from prosecution.

Five years down the line, Kenyans appreciate the supreme law but some still have their reservations.

Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union Secretary General Ouma Oluga said there is improved respect of human rights.

"This Constitution is a landmark of progress in civil rights and citizen participation in governance," said Oluga.

He said the Constitution should have provided a time frame to ensure requisite structures are put in place before the health function was devolved.

"Five years down the line, we have created agony in the health sector," said Olago.

Lawyer Charles Matete attributed increased development in rural areas to the Constitution, saying devolution has provided a platform for equal distribution of resources.

He however, said the supreme law has slowed down service delivery in the Judiciary.

 "In the Judiciary, the Constitution provided for establishment of special courts and this has slowed down service delivery. For instance in Kakamega, most cases are related to land, so what will be the work of a judge in charge of an environment court?" Mr Matete asked.

Indigenous and Evangelical Churches of Kenya Chairman Nicholas Olumasai noted that though the Constitution has expanded freedom, it has also downgraded the country's values and culture.

 "The recent ruling by the High Court allowing registration of gay and lesbian groups shows how far our country has sunk," Bishop Olumasai said.

He said the woman representative position, which was introduced by the Constitution, lacks a definite role, adding that Senate is a duplicate of the National Assembly.

 Kakamega County Assembly Minority Leader Titus Kwoma said the Constitution has increased representation, leading to economic development in the counties.

"Most governors have brought the old mentality of looting but once devolution gains traction, the country will witness a drastic improvement economically," Mr Kwoma said.

Journalist Robert Amalemba said the Constitution has widened the democratic space but also led to increased insecurity

"Police are forced to take a suspect to court even before they conclude investigations. More so every offender is entitled to bail and this has interfered with the justice system," he said.