National Values
Values that define us
Values are important and lasting beliefs, standards, ethics or ideals shared by members of the same community, same culture, same society, same nation or same country. Values are morals and standards of what is good or bad, and what is desirable or undesirable. Values have a major influence on a person's behaviour and attitude and serve as broad guidelines in an individual's conduct in all situations. In Kenya, we are guided by values found in Article 10 of the Constitution.
The national values and principles of governance in Article 10(1) of the constitution bind all State organs, State officers, public officers and all persons whenever any of them.
- Apply or interpret the Constitution.
- Enact, apply or interpret any law.
- Make or implement public policy decisions
National Values
National values are beliefs of a nation guiding the attitudes, actions and behaviour of its citizens. Principles of Governance. These are normative principles that oblige the state to perform its functions in a manner that promotes the general well-being of the people. Article 10(2) of the Constitution highlights the following National Values and Principles of Governance:
Patriotism refers to love, loyalty and devotion shown to one's country. As patriotic Kenyans we should love our motherland by paying taxes, protecting our national resources, working hard to build Kenya. We should be Proud of our brand Kenya and protect it.
National Unity is a cohesion which results from shared values, vision purpose and aspirations irrespective of the ethnic, cultural, economic, religious or any other super visual status in a unitary state, while recognizing diversity. It is a choice to work as a team in tackling the challenges that face us as a nation. “One Kenya, One People, One Destiny”.
Sharing and Devolution of Power is a governance environment in which power, political, economic and social resources are distributed between the national and county levels of government.
Rule of law Refers to the legal maxim that each citizen and person within the state should respect and observe the law. We must all observe the law for an orderly society.
Democracy is a political culture in which all citizens exercise direct and equal participation in the running of the affairs of their country. Participation is the practice of involving all people in making decisions which ensures mutual respect and encourages shared responsibilities.
Human dignity refers to the honor bestowed on individuals, people and the upholding of their rights as spelt out in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights regardless of one’s status.
Equity refers to fairness, impartiality, justice and provision of equal access to national resources and opportunities regardless of gender, disability, age, race, ethnicity, religion or status.
Social Justice Refers to the enjoyment of the rights that enhance the wellbeing of an individual in all aspects of their interaction with one another and promotes solidarity. It is the fairness in the service delivery, distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society by the Government. “Huduma Bora Ni Haki Yako”.
Inclusiveness refers to according all people an opportunity to participate in activities including decision making, that affect their life.
Equality Refers to treatment of everyone with equal measure irrespective of their status such as gender, religion, social class, tribe or race. It also refers to being regarded in equal status in all matters involving rights of individuals and people groups.
Human rights refers to God given inherent inalienable liberties and entitlements to be enjoyed by all people and upholding of their rights as spelt out in the constitution. They include: The right to life, freedom of expression, right to health, housing, free from hunger, social security, education, the right to development and self-determination.
Non discrimination refers to offering services and taking care of all persons without bias.
Protection of the marginalized refers to safeguarding livelihood of those who have challenges or those that do not have a voice in society. National Cohesion and Integration Act No. 12 of 2008 outlaws marginalization. Equalization Fund (Article 204), YEF, Uwezo Funds, AGPO are some of the key initiatives in Kenya to address the issue.
Good Governance Refers to having systems and structures through which the exercise of power and authority can be controlled or held to account. It also refers to the prudent management of institutions and resources by those entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing them.
Integrity refers to adherence to virtuous moral and ethical principles. This includes honesty, truthfulness, consistency and moral character both in private and public life. It also refers to the quality of being steadfast and consistent about what is right.
Transparency refers to the requirement to share information and act in an open manner. Accountability refers to being held responsible for one’s actions, conduct and management of resources.
Sustainable development refers to the pattern of resource use that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
