KATIBA DAY

Kenya’s Katiba turned 15 on 27 August 2025, and Kenyans of all walks of life gathered at various meeting places to commemorate, celebrate, and reflect on the constitutional journey.

The Youth Congress, a youth-serving non-governmental organization in Kenya, hosted a glittering artistic ceremony to mark 15 years of the Constitution at the Alliance Française on 27 August, Katiba Day, the day in memory of Kenya’s Constitution, which was promulgated in 2010.

Like many Kenyans, The Youth Congress, founded in 2007 to provide young people in Kenya with a platform to articulate their issues, views promulgation of the Constitution in 2010 as a triumphant victory of the sacrifice, determination, and political clarity of Kenyans to rebuild a better future, a safer future for generations to come. Noteworthy, Kenya’s transition in 2010 followed many years of agitation - the reform came more than 20 years after the constitution reform project was first begun. As former Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga once remarked, “the making of the Kenyan 2010 Constitution is a story of ordinary citizens striving and succeeding to reject or, as some may say, overthrow the existing social order and to define a new social, economic, cultural, and political order for themselves.” “There is no doubt that the Constitution is a radical document that looks to a future that is very different from our past, in its values and practices. It seeks to make a fundamental change from the 68 years of colonialism and 50 years of independence.” He said in a presentation to Speculum Juris in 2015. 

To mark the 15th anniversary of the Constitution, The Youth Congress partnered with two remarkable organisations; Creative Spills, an artist collective that brings together writers and visual and performing artists to educate the masses and promote development. Also, we have partnered with the Elephant, a Pan-Africanist organization that champions inclusivity and dignity for all Africans. Alliance Française provided the venue as part of its engagements with artists and as the host of Poets You Should Know, an open mic that brings poets together to share, discuss, create, and showcase works that are meant to spark critical thinking. 

Youth and Kenyans from all walks of life attended The Youth Congress event to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Kenya’s Constitution.

In his opening and welcoming remarks, Raphael Obonyo, the co-founder of The Youth Congress and convener of the event, reminded participants that Katiba Day gave Kenyans a unique moment to reflect on the journey, take stock of the progress, and plan for ways of realizing the promise of the Constitution. 

“The whole discussion is put in the context of we the people … looking at our symbiotic relationship with the Constitution,” said Obonyo.

On the one hand “The Constitution gives us power…the great genius of the Constitution is this: it permits the people to govern themselves by putting the power of government in their hands, by protecting them from those who would take power or liberty from them, and by giving each successive generation the ability to improve upon the government bequeathed to them by those who came before.” On the other hand, “We give the Constitution power…our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it’s really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power — with our participation, and the choices we make. Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms. Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law,” added Obonyo

The event activities included the Katiba Roll of Honour, artistic performances, and discussions on the Constitution. 

Since 2010, there have been many advocates of the Constitution. At the event, The Youth Congress awarded some of the people who have been champions of the 2010 Constitution –Katiba Roll of Honour/Profiles of Courage. There were six remarkable people listed in the 2025 Katiba Roll of Honor.

1.         Pheroze Nowrojee (posthumous)

2.         ⁠John Khaminwa

3.         David Maraga

4.         Wanjira Wanjiru

5.         Shakira Wafula

6.         Shikoh Kihika

Former Chief Justice David Maraga was among six Kenyans recognised by the Youth Congress in the 2025 Katiba Roll of Honour for their outstanding contributions to defending and promoting the constitution. The 2025 edition of the Katiba Roll of Honour was unveiled during Katiba Day in Nairobi, marking 15 years since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. The event, hosted in partnership with Creative Spills, The Elephant, and supported by Alliance Française, brought together youth, artists, activists, and legal minds to reflect on Kenya’s constitutional journey.

According to the group, the celebration was both a recognition of the Constitution’s enduring promise and the people who continue to defend it. “Katiba Day gives us a unique moment to reflect on the journey, take stock of progress, and plan ways of realising the promise of the Constitution,” Raphael Obonyo, the founder, said.  "The Constitution gives us power, but equally, we must give it power through our participation and choices.”

The 2025 Katiba Roll of Honour recognised six figures drawn from diverse generations and struggles. They include the late Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee, veteran lawyer John Khaminwa, former Chief Justice David Maraga, activist Wanjira Wanjiru, youth leader Shakira Wafula, and founder of Tribeless Youth Movement Shikoh Kihika. Nowrojee, who passed away in April, was remembered for his decades-long commitment to justice during Kenya’s turbulent political history. From the 1980s through the 1990s, he defended political detainees and journalists against state oppression. 

"Senior Counsel Pheroze Nowrojee was the people’s attorney. His thoughts and footprints are in every milestone Kenya has attained, including the 2010 Constitution,” Obonyo said as his widow, Viloo, received the award on his behalf.

Khaminwa, Kenya’s oldest practising lawyer, was celebrated for his resilience in the fight for democracy and human rights. Detained under the Moi regime for representing pro-democracy leaders such as Raila Odinga and Kenneth Matiba, Khaminwa has remained steadfast in using the law as a tool of resistance. “Lawyers must fight for democratic space, uphold the Constitution, and the rule of law,” he said.

Maraga was recognised for his historic decision in 2017 that nullified the presidential election, a ruling hailed globally as a triumph of constitutional supremacy.  His firm stance on the gender rule and continued advocacy for justice after leaving office cemented his place on the Roll of Honour.

The younger honorees reflected the new wave of activism sweeping Kenya. Wanjira Wanjiru, co-founder of the Mathare Social Justice Centre, was honoured for amplifying the voices of marginalised communities. Shakira Wafula, who rose to prominence during the 2024 Gen Z protests, was recognised for mobilising support for detained protesters and organising youth resistance. Shikoh Kihika, founder of the Tribeless Youth Movement, was celebrated for her innovative use of art and dialogue to combat negative ethnicity and promote civic engagement.

Since its launch in 2024, the Katiba Roll of Honour has recognised constitutional giants such as Yash Pal Ghai, Willy Mutunga, Faith Odhiambo, Okiya Omtatah, Hanifa Safia Adan, and Kennedy Odede. This year’s awardees, Obonyo said, symbolise the enduring struggle to uphold Kenya’s constitutional ideals. “The Constitution is not just a document; it is a living promise. Its power rests in our hands, and we must determine our future,” he said.

Poetry/Spoken Word

Art is a powerful way of communicating ideas. The event showcases some of the captivating poetry and spoken word aligned to the Katiba theme. Spoken word artists brought together powerful verses that echoed resilience, hope, and the promise of a just society.

Featuring the brilliance of Dominion, Slam Africa Champion and World Poetry Slam runner-up, this Katiba Day edition reminded us that words, like laws, can shape nations. As one of the participants, Vanessa Awino, remarked on Instagram: “This was amazing…I especially loved the way the artists create such vivid narratives with words.”

People’s Dialogue

During the people’s dialogue segment, participants looked at the Journey and the results sheets for the 2010 Constitution. Also, the discussions looked at the challenges and opportunities, and role of citizens in ensuring full and proper implementation of the Constitution.

Discussions were on the significance of the constitution - how important the constitution is in protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. Also, conversations traced the historical background and how the constitution was created. At the same time, participants shared views on the impact of the constitution and its key features. 

Conclusion

Kenyans should develop a great interest in the making and implementation of the Constitution – to build a strong and a better Kenya. The important event was part of the effort to rally youth to develop strong faith in the constitution as their saviour - to defend the constitution. While the event was successful and well attended, it can be made better with the participation of youth from across the country, and artistic presentations beyond spoken word.

Raphael Obonyo is a public policy analyst and co-founder of The Youth Congress.