Implementing Agencies:
Ministry of Devolution and Planning, National Youth Service, Directorate of National Cohesion and National Values
Sector Objectives:
To facilitate and promote equality of opportunity, good relations, harmony and peaceful coexistence between persons of different ethnic and racial backgrounds in Kenya and to advise the government appropriately.
Status
The 210 Constitution enshrined the national values of patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power; the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people; human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, non-discrimination and protection of the marginalized; good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability; and sustainable development.
The Constitution included a commitment towards nurturing and protecting the well-being of the individual, the family, communities and the nation. It seeks to ensure this is achieved by codifying a set of values and principles that are spread throughout the Constitution but are synthesized and crystallized in the national values and principles of governance set out in Article 10. This Article is binding upon all State organs, State and public officers. Most importantly, it is binding upon all persons. Therefore, all Kenyan citizens are enjoined, whenever they participate in the application of the Constitution, any law or public policy decisions, to respect, promote and apply the national values and principles of governance. The values and principles under the Article are classified in four bands: loyalty to the republic; promotion and protection of the rights of the individual; integrity and development. The Constitution ensures that each chapter elaborates and builds upon the framework under Article 10 and mandates the President under Article 132 to report to the nation the measures taken and progress achieved in realization of national values set out in Article 10.
The national values and principles of governance are intended to inculcate a sense of rootedness and belonging and they shall operate as a platform to address challenges relating to (i) strong national identity (ii) effective representation and leadership (iii) equitable allocation of resources and opportunities (iv) good governance and (v) sustainable development.
H.E. the President gave a status report of the national values and ethics during the Presidential State of the Nation Address on March 27, 2015. VDS has been engaging at the board level to see how best to inculcate national values among the Kenyan populace. As at December 31, 2014, the Directorate of National Cohesion and National Values had conducted;
- 20 county forums in Bomet, Kericho, Nanci, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega, Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Narok, Nakuru and Nyandarua to promote national cohesion, reconciliation and national values.
- Training and sensitization for 106 focal MDAs to facilitate mainstreaming of national cohesion and national values into their respective institutions’ perfomance contracts.
- Four inter-community exchange programs in Siaya, Vihiga, Kericho and Uasin Gishu counties to promote national cohesion and reconciliation.
The establishment of the National Cohesion and National Values research documentation center was completed.
Achievements
- Development of an institutional framework
- Civic education and public awareness continuing
County value systems program done - Legal, policy and institutional review to integrate national values and principles of governance into national, county and sectoral policies done
- Public service national values program to promote, uphold and enforce national values and principles of governance in public service put in place