Tough new duties spelt out for citizens

Kenyans will be required to continuously engage in learning to improve their skills, and actively contribute to the country’s economic development.

This is to fulfil their citizenship obligations set out in the proposed constitution.

This is among 15 duties and responsibilities the draft constitution spells out under Article 24 every Kenyan must aim to fulfil.

This is the first time in Kenya’s history that citizen’s duties and responsibilities have been clearly spelt out in an official document.

On top of the list is to acquire a basic understanding of the constitution to enable one to promote its ideals and objectives.

The duty is a translation of the general rule that every citizen must know and abide by all set laws, out of which the principle that ignorance is no defence is derived.

Defend constitution

The draft also expands the duty to uphold and defend the constitution - a role previously seen as a preserve of the president - to all citizens and extended the obligation to include all other laws.

Every citizen shall also be required to promote democracy, good governance and the rule of law, in which voting in an election and referendum will be a key action.

Borrowing from lessons learnt from last year’s post-election violence, the draft requires that every Kenyan strive to foster national unity and live in harmony with others.

And where called upon, Kenyans have to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the maintenance of law and order.

The Kenya Revenue Authority’s slogan urging people to pay taxes has also been listed as one of the duties — that all must pay due taxes and, at the same time, not engage in corruption.

Common good

And after paying taxes, each will have the obligation to ensure the money is not misused by protecting and safeguarding public property from waste and misuse.

While the State has been assigned the duty of feeding, educating and maintaining the less fortunate in society, all Kenyans will be required to work for the common good and contribute to national development and the advancement of the community where they live.