Residents of Kisumu are urging the government to establish clear frameworks for celebrating Katiba Day, saying the anniversary of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution is passing with little recognition or public engagement.
As locals went about their daily routines in the lakeside city on Wednesday, there was little to suggest that the nation was marking a significant milestone 15 years since the promulgation of the Constitution.
Cliff Ochieng, director of the Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative (TEAM), said while the designation of Katiba Day was a step in the right direction, the government must go further to make the day meaningful.
“It’s commendable that the government set aside this day, but you wouldn’t feel it here in Kisumu,” Ochieng told The Kenyan Tabloid. “Fifteen years of the Constitution is worth celebrating because of the progress we’ve made.”
He called for innovative and inclusive ways to mark the day, including civic education in schools, public forums, and community activities.
Communications expert Dennis Otieno echoed the sentiments, urging the government to begin planning next year’s commemorations with a clear vision.
“President William Ruto may have good intentions. This is a start, but moving forward, we expect more engaging activities. Even something simple like tree planting can give the day a meaningful touch,” Otieno said.
Both residents and local leaders acknowledged the transformative impact of the Constitution, particularly in enhancing devolution, citizen participation, and civil society engagement.
Ochieng noted that county governments and civil society organizations have forged stronger collaborations under the new constitutional framework but challenged county assemblies to improve oversight.
“Financial autonomy alone isn’t enough. We must build the capacity of MCAs to hold the executive accountable,” he said. “Voters, too, must elect independent leaders capable of challenging the status quo.”
Otieno further called for a national dialogue on constitutional reform, saying it was time to revisit areas that have not worked.
“Back in 2010, we were told to pass the Constitution and fix it later. Fifteen years on, it’s time to review what has worked and what hasn’t,” he said, pointing to challenges in devolved healthcare and arguing for a possible return of the sector to national oversight.
On security, Ochieng criticized peace deals between rival groups in Kisumu brokered by police officers, warning that bypassing constitutional processes sets a “dangerous precedent.”
As Kenya reflects on 15 years of constitutional democracy, Kisumu residents are united on one point: Katiba Day should not be a forgotten date on the calendar, but a platform for civic engagement, reform, and national reflection.
