Governance and Social Protection: A Case of the Constitution Kenya 2010 as an Instrument for Social Protection

Has the Constitution of Kenya 2010 expanded opportunities for social protection in Kenya? This question hinges on the fact that struggles for a new constitution was vicious and protracted all in the name of the welfare of Kenyans. This paper examines the new constitutional structures by interrogating their significance for social protection. The new structures examined include the bill of rights, devolution, ombudsman and competitive party politics. The new structures deliver opportunities for delivering a variety of social protection schemes not possible in a different setting. Several social protection policies and programs have sprung from constitutional provisions and changed the social policy landscape in the country. It is concluded that the new constitution holds the best promise yet for Kenya‟s governance transformation resulting in enhanced social protection and social justice. However, for this promise to be fully realized civil society and the citizenry should work harder to hold all government arms and levels to account for their respective roles in enhancing social service delivery to Kenyans.