The 26th of August 2025 marked day two of the Katiba @15 Commemoration Conference continuing reflections on the fifteenth anniversary of Kenya’s Constitution. Participants gathered at Kabarak Law School for devotion, scholarship, and spirited panel discussions on the Bill of Rights.

The morning devotion session was led by Reverend Justus Mutuku, Acting Provost of Kabarak University, who urged the audience to ground Kenya’s constitutional journey in shared values. He tied the injustices faced by the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 3:7-10) with the need of protecting the rights of the people, therefore, highlighting the theme of the conference. The devotion linked God’s vision of Shalom with the Constitution’s promise of rights, showing that human dignity and justice originate in creation. Just as God raised Moses to liberate the Israelites, today’s advocates are called to partner with God in upholding rights, ensuring constitutional freedoms reflect divine foundations.

Mr. Cedric Kadima, Head of Department at Kabarak Law School, then welcomed participants, celebrating fifteen years of inclusive dialogue on constitutional matters like the Form 34A and Basic Structure. He advocated a future of eternal vigilance on justice.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Gautam Bhatia, Adjunct Professor at Jindal Global Law School. He described the Kenyan Constitution as a transformative charter with political, comprehensive, and deep dimensions. He commended courts for advancing rights but cautioned that gaps in implementation remain.

After the opening session, a continuation of day one’s panel discussions in breakout rooms ensued.

• Panel 5 was facilitated by Mr. Samuel Kimeu, Executive Director at Africa’s Voices. The session explored Articles 38 – 41.
• Panel 6 was led by Dr. Rosemary Mwanza, a Research Fellow at the University of Stockholm, and the discussion centred on Articles 42 to 46.
• On Panel 7, the lead discussant was Mr. Ibrahim Alubala, Child Rights Governance Advisor at Save the Children Kenya. He led the panellists and audience in exploring Articles 47 to 50.

The afternoon breakout sessions proceeded as follows.

• Panel 8 on Article 43, 51, 52 and 53 was led by Ms. Ann Gitonga, Head of Policy, Partnerships and Advocacy at International Justice Mission.
• Panel 9 was facilitated by Ms. Lucianna Thuo, Elections Law and Governance Specialist, who oversaw the discussion on Articles 54 to 57 on vulnerable groups.
• Lastly was Panel 10, led by Ms. Emily Kinama, Head of Strategic Litigation at Katiba Institute with panellists deliberating on Articles 30, 31, 58 and 59 of the constitution.

Key takeaways

The discussions across sessions reflected not only scholarly engagement but also the lived realities of citizens navigating Kenya’s constitutional framework. Speakers consistently emphasised the importance of bridging theory and practice, ensuring that rights enshrined in the Constitution translate into tangible improvements in everyday life. Participants also highlighted the need for civic education, community empowerment, and stronger institutional accountability to make the Constitution a more effective tool for social justice and equality.

Closing remarks by Mr. Sam Ngure, Lecturer at Kabarak Law School, expressed gratitude to all and invited participants for Day Three, which coincides with the fifteenth anniversary of the Constitution’s promulgation. Day Two affirmed the Bill of Rights as a living framework inspiring dialogue and action.