Katiba Day: Nelson Havi calls for full implementation of the constitution
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has urged Kenyans to safeguard the 2010 Constitution by demanding its full implementation and resisting unnecessary amendments.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, as the country marked the 15th anniversary of the 2010 Constitution, Havi said the document was designed to stand the test of time and should not be undermined through alterations that weaken its spirit.
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He stressed that successive governments had often attempted to dilute or alter constitutional provisions instead of focusing on enforcing them.
According to him, Kenyans must remain vigilant to ensure leaders uphold the principles of accountability, good governance, and the rule of law enshrined in the document.
“Even as we celebrate Katiba Day, the people of Kenya must demand its full implementation of the constitution, and they must countermand all attempts to amend any aspect of the constitution,” Havi said.
“This constitution was intended to last for eternity, not that it is incapable of amendment, but it should never be amended to circumvent the requirements of its implementation.”
Katiba day
Kenya’s Constitution, adopted in 2010, is one of the most progressive in Africa. It guarantees fundamental rights, devolution of power, separation of state organs, and judicial independence.
On August 25, 2025, President William Ruto officially proclaimed August 27 of every year as Katiba Day, a national commemoration to honour the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
He said the day would serve as a reminder to all Kenyans of the need to protect and nurture the values embedded in the supreme law.
“On the 27th day of August, 2010, in exercise of the sovereign will of the People of Kenya and in revitalising the foundational principles and values of our democracy, the Constitution of Kenya was promulgated,” the statement read in parts.
The head of state said that the 15th anniversary of the Constitution offered the country an opportunity to reflect on the gains made in governance, democracy, devolution, and citizen participation.
He added that the decision to designate Katiba Day was aimed at reminding Kenyans of their responsibility to uphold constitutionalism.
According to the proclamation, Katiba Day will be observed across the country and in Kenya’s diplomatic missions abroad as a day dedicated to renewing the nation’s shared commitment to democracy, governance, and the rule of law.
“Katiba Day shall be observed throughout the territory of Kenya and all our diplomatic missions abroad as a day dedicated to renewing our shared commitment to the ideals of our Constitution by fostering national dialogue on constitutionalism, governance, and the rule of law,” the statement read in parts.
