Discuss the Rights, freedoms and obligations of an individual in Kenya.
Rights are the social and legal ethical principles of entitlement.
Freedom is the state of having an ability to act or change without constraint.
Obligation is an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment. Every person is entitled to the following rights and fundamental freedoms:
Right to life; A person shall not be deprived of life intentionally, except to the extent authorized by the Constitution or other written law. Kenyan citizens are also entitled to the right to equality, equal protection and equal benefit in law.
Thirdly, they are entitled to Freedom and security which include protection from slavery, servitude & forced labour, freedom of conscience, religion, belief and opinion/expression;
A Kenyan also has a right of access to information, freedom of association and right of assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition. Moreover, they enjoy political rights where by they are independent to affiliate to any political party, freedom of movement and residence and right to economic and social rights (health, housing, food, water, social security & education).
Finally, they are entitled to right of use of language and culture of one’s preference, fair administrative action and right of access to justice and to fair hearing.
Responsibilities
Regardless of the presence of elected representatives:
Every citizen has an obligation to respect, uphold and defend Kenya’s sovereignty.
Citizens also have a responsibility to live out the national values and principles of: patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power, the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people.
They are to uphold human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, non-discrimination and protection of the marginalized.
In addition, citizens should ensure good governance, integrity and accountability are upheld.
Every Kenyan has the responsibility to uphold the rights and fundamental freedoms in the Bill of Rights and to ensure they are observed in making social, economic and cultural policies.
Every person has a duty to cooperate with the State to protect and conserve the environment and the country’s natural resources and ensure sustainable development is carried out.
Citizens are expected to monitor how state officers are functioning to ensure the guiding principles of leadership and integrity are respected and maintained.
Citizens should promote the realization of the principles of the electoral system which include: Freedom of citizens to exercise their political rights, Not more than two thirds of the members of the elective public bodies shall be of the same gender, fair representation of persons with disabilities among others.
Citizens also have an obligation to ensure presidential candidates meet the qualifications for the post.
Kenyans have the responsibility to ensure Executive authority is exercised in a manner that serves them and for their well-being and benefit.
County assemblies should facilitate public participation and involvement in the legislative and other business of the assembly including its committees.
Public participation in the public finance process is expected and the government has to maintain openness and accountability through the structure to promote an equitable society.
Members of the public must be involved in the public-service policy making process.
The public must also hold all public service institutions accountable for their work.
Citizens have to ensure the government protects its people rights and freedoms and the country against internal and external threats to its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Citizens are obligated to ensure the constitution is interpreted in a manner that promotes its purposes, values and principles, advances rule of law, human rights and Bill of Rights, permits development of the law and contributes to good governance.
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lobute answered the question on March 20, 2019 at 12:53