The Constitution of Kenya

19 Grade 8 Social Studies questions on The Constitution of Kenya, with worked marking schemes. 19 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   The current Constitution of Kenya was promulgated in the year:

   A. 2002

   B. 1963

   C. 2010

   D. 2007

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   According to the Constitution of Kenya 2010, how many arms of government share state power?

   A. Two

   B. Three

   C. Four

   D. Five

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   Under the Constitution of Kenya, the three arms of government are the Legislature, the Judiciary and the:

   A. Executive

   B. County Assembly

   C. Police Service

   D. Electoral Commission

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   The arm of government responsible for making laws in Kenya is the:

   A. Judiciary

   B. Public Service Commission

   C. Legislature (Parliament)

   D. Executive

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   1 mark

   Which of the following BEST describes a responsibility of a Kenyan citizen as outlined in the Constitution?

   A. Choosing the Chief Justice

   B. Setting the national budget

   C. Appointing county governors

   D. Paying taxes and obeying the law

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   The Bill of Rights in the Kenyan Constitution MAINLY provides for:

   A. The salaries of members of parliament

   B. The fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens

   C. The boundaries of counties

   D. The national anthem

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   6 marks

   (a) Name the three arms of government in Kenya.

   (b) State one function of each arm.

   (6 marks)

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8. Question 8

   4 marks

   A group of citizens wishes to amend a clause in the Constitution of Kenya. State two ways through which the Constitution can be amended.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any 2, 2 marks each: through a parliamentary initiative (a bill passed by the required majority in both Houses of Parliament); through a popular initiative (collection of at least one million signatures of registered voters) followed by approval; some entrenched clauses additionally require a national referendum.

9. Question 9

   1 mark

   A citizen feels that a law passed violates her rights. According to the Constitution, the arm of government that interprets the law and protects rights is the:

   A. County Assembly

   B. Legislature

   C. Judiciary

   D. Executive

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    6 marks

    The Constitution of Kenya 2010 establishes three arms of government.

    (a) Name the three arms of the Government of Kenya. (3 marks)

    (b) State one function of each arm you have named. (3 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) The three arms of government are: 1. The Legislature (Parliament). 2. The Executive. 3. The Judiciary. (b) Functions: 1. The Legislature - makes laws for the country (and approves the national budget / oversees the Executive). 2. The Executive - implements and enforces laws and policies / runs the day-to-day affairs of government. 3. The Judiciary - interprets laws and administers justice by hearing and determining disputes.

11. Question 11

    1 mark

    In which year was the current Constitution of Kenya promulgated?

    A. 1963

    B. 1992

    C. 2010

    D. 2022

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    Which of the following is the supreme law of the land in Kenya?

    A. An Act of Parliament

    B. A presidential directive

    C. The Constitution

    D. A county by-law

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    1 mark

    Which of the following is a national symbol recognised by the Constitution of Kenya?

    A. A political party logo

    B. A school badge

    C. The national flag

    D. A county slogan

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    1 mark

    The three arms of government provided for in the Constitution of Kenya are the Legislature, the Judiciary and the:

    A. Senate

    B. Executive

    C. Police service

    D. County Assembly

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    3 marks

    State three importance of having a constitution in Kenya.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any 3, 1 mark each: protects the rights and freedoms of citizens; defines the structure and powers of government; promotes rule of law/limits abuse of power; provides for fair distribution of resources; promotes national unity; guides governance and decision making.

16. Question 16

    1 mark

    Under the 2010 Constitution, Kenya is divided into how many county governments?

    A. 42

    B. 290

    C. 47

    D. 8

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    1 mark

    Under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, how many counties make up the system of devolved government?

    A. 8

    B. 24

    C. 47

    D. 16

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    5 marks

    The Constitution of Kenya 2010 is the supreme law of the land.

    (a) State two ways in which the Constitution of Kenya 2010 protects the rights of citizens.

    (b) Identify three arms of the Government of Kenya as provided for in the Constitution.

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Ways the Constitution protects citizens' rights: - It contains a Bill of Rights (Chapter Four) that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms. - It establishes courts/the Judiciary where citizens can seek justice when their rights are violated. - It establishes independent commissions (e.g. Kenya National Commission on Human Rights) to safeguard rights. - It limits the powers of the government/leaders so they cannot abuse citizens. (Any two) (b) The three arms of Government: the Legislature (Parliament), the Executive (President and Cabinet), and the Judiciary (the courts).

19. Question 19

    6 marks

    Explain three rights of a child guaranteed under the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of Kenya.

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any 3, 2 marks each (right + brief explanation): right to education – every child should access basic schooling; right to health care – access to medical services; right to protection from abuse/neglect/violence; right to a name and nationality; right to parental care; right to basic nutrition, shelter and clothing.

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