Kenya

Oversight

Data on parliament’s oversight role and activities

Oversight tools

Parliament has the power to summon members of the government
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, art. 125 (1), 153 (3)
Parliament has the power to summon senior government officials
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, art. 125 (1), 153(3)
Parliament has the power to approve key government appointments Key government appointments include, for example, ambassadors or the head of the central bank.
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, art. 132 (2), 166 (1), 156 (2), 157 (2), 250 (2),
Approximate number of government appointments subject to parliamentary approval
2
Number of written questions asked, per year
165 (2020)
See historical data for this field.
Number of written questions answered by the government, per year
150 (2020)
See historical data for this field.
Parliament has power to carry out inquiries
Yes
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, art. 125
Number of parliamentary inquiries, per year
(2022)
See historical data for this field.

Head of State and/or Government

Head of State and/or Government
Parliament’s role in the designation of the Head of Government Some parliaments elect the Head of Government or approve the nomination for the Head of Government. Others do not play a role.
Parliament does not play a role
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, Article 131(1).
The Head of Government is also the Head of State
Yes
Parliament’s role
Parliament’s role in the designation of the Head of State Some parliaments designate the Head of State or approve the nomination for the Head of Government. Others do not play a role.
Parliament does not play a role
Notes
The President is elected by registered voters in a national election conducted in accordance with this Constitution and any Act of Parliament regulating presidential elections.
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, Article 136(1).

Impeachment and confidence motions

Procedure for parliament
There is a procedure for parliament to dismiss or impeach the following persons/institution There is a procedure to dismiss or impeach the following persons/institution: Not applicable (there is no procedure); The whole Government; The Head of Government; The Head of State; Individual members of the Executive; Other (please specify)
The Head of Government
The Head of State
Individual members of the Executive
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, Articles 95(5), 145 and 150.
Chambers that play a role in the dismissal or impeachment In bicameral parliaments: Chambers that play a role in the dismissal or impeachment: Lower chamber; Upper chamber; Not applicable
Lower chamber
Upper chamber