Editor's Review
"Katiba Institute (KI) is marking fifteen years of work to advance constitutionalism, promote the rule of law, protect human rights and strengthen accountable governance in Kenya."
Katiba Institute (KI) will mark its 15th anniversary with a three-week digital campaign celebrating its contribution to constitutionalism, human rights and accountable governance.
In a statement on Friday, October 23, the institute said its work has focused on advancing constitutional principles and strengthening the rule of law in Kenya.
"Katiba Institute (KI) is marking fifteen years of work to advance constitutionalism, promote the rule of law, protect human rights and strengthen accountable governance in Kenya," the statement read.
KI noted that since its founding in 2011, it has worked to translate the promises of the 2010 Constitution into reality through strategic litigation, research, public participation, and civic education.
The organisation said its central mission had remained unchanged despite its growth and the evolving constitutional landscape in Kenya.
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"Its purpose remained constant: to defend the Constitution, protect fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure that public power is exercised within constitutional limits," the statement added.
KI said it had expanded from a small team focused on entrenching constitutionalism in Kenya to an organisation with more than 22 staff members and work extending across the region and internationally.
"Over fifteen years, KI has grown alongside the Constitution it was founded to defend. It began as a team of fewer than ten people focused on entrenching constitutionalism in Kenya.
"Today it has more than 22 staff, and its work extends across the region and internationally," the statement further read.
KI also noted that public interest litigation had grown significantly since the organisation was established, with more organisations and actors now participating in efforts to promote constitutional accountability.
"The landscape around KI has also changed. Public interest litigation in Kenya was once the work of a handful of organisations. It is now a vibrant field with many more actors.
"KI welcomes this growth as a sign of a maturing constitutional culture, and it has allowed the Institute to focus on the areas where it can contribute the most," the statement noted.
KI said the campaign is scheduled to run from October 26 to November 13 under the theme "15 Years of Constitutionalism, Impact and Legacy".
The campaign will feature the story behind Katiba Institute's founding, landmark cases, accounts of its impact, institutional milestones, publications and reflections from current and former staff members and partners.
It will also explore emerging challenges likely to shape Kenya's constitutional future and the opportunities available to strengthen constitutional governance.
A key part of the campaign will be recognising the people who founded and built the organisation, including co-founders Professor Yash Pal Ghai and Jill Cottrell Ghai, as well as its first executive director, Waikwa Wanyoike.
The institute will pay special tribute to Professor Ghai for his lifelong contribution to constitutionalism and human rights in Kenya and beyond.
Historical photographs, documents, publications and personal reflections will be used to highlight the founding vision that shaped the organisation and continues to guide its work.
Katiba Institute Executive Director Nora Mbagathi said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on the organisation's commitment to ensuring constitutional rights translated into meaningful protections for Kenyans.
"Fifteen years of Katiba Institute is a story of commitment to the Constitution and the people of Kenya. Our work has consistently sought to ensure that constitutional rights are not merely promises on paper, but protections that people can claim and exercise in their everyday lives.
"As we mark this milestone, we thank the communities, partners, staff and supporters who have walked this journey with us, and we renew our commitment to constitutionalism, human rights and accountable governance, in Kenya and beyond," she said.
Katiba Institute Board Chair Abdul Noormohamed said the anniversary was an opportunity to acknowledge the organisation's achievements while emphasising the continued importance of defending the Constitution.
"Katiba Institute's journey shows why institutions committed to constitutional principles, the rule of law, human rights matter. This milestone honours the vision of the founders, the dedication of those who have built the organisation, and the support of its partners.
"It is also a reminder that constitutionalism demands sustained commitment. As KI looks to the future, its role in strengthening accountability and safeguarding the Constitution remains vital," he stated.
As part of the celebrations, KI invited Kenyans and stakeholders in constitutional governance to participate in the campaign and reflect on the work required to strengthen constitutionalism in the years ahead.
"KI invites the people of Kenya to join the #KatibaInstituteAt15 campaign, celebrate fifteen years of impact and reflect on the work ahead.
"The invitation extends to constitutional scholars, human rights defenders, civil society organisations, journalists, public institutions, development partners and friends of the Institute," the statement concluded.
