Katiba Institute is marking fifteen years of advancing constitutionalism, promoting the rule of law, protecting human rights and strengthening accountable governance in Kenya.

Since its establishment in 2011, KI has worked to turn the promise of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution into reality through strategic litigation, research, public participation, civic education, access to information initiatives, media engagement and partnerships.

Its mission remains unchanged: to defend the Constitution, protect fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure that public power is exercised within constitutional limits.

Growing alongside Kenya’s constitutional journey

Over the past fifteen years, KI has grown alongside the Constitution it was established to defend. Beginning with a team of fewer than ten people, the Institute now has more than 22 staff members, with its work extending across the region and internationally.

Kenya’s Constitution, particularly its Bill of Rights, has provided a strong foundation for advancing human rights and constitutional governance. Public interest litigation has contributed significantly to developing constitutional jurisprudence, informing the work of courts, lawmakers and human rights advocates.

KI continues to draw on this experience to contribute to regional and international efforts to advance human rights, democracy and the rule of law, while maintaining its commitment to constitutional accountability in Kenya.

The public interest litigation landscape has also evolved. What was once the preserve of a handful of organisations has grown into a more vibrant field with an increasing number of actors. KI welcomes this growth as a sign of a maturing constitutional culture and continues to focus on areas where it can make the greatest contribution.

Under its current Strategic Plan, KI’s work focuses on the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedoms, climate and natural resource protection, human rights in the digital world, and institutional wellbeing.

Marking 15 years of impact and legacy

To commemorate this milestone, KI will run a three-week digital anniversary campaign from 26 October to 13 November 2026, under the theme “15 Years of Constitutionalism, Impact and Legacy.”

The campaign will tell the story of KI’s establishment and growth, highlight landmark cases and stories of impact, showcase institutional milestones and publications, and feature reflections from current and former staff members and partners.

It will also examine emerging challenges to constitutionalism in Kenya and explore opportunities for strengthening the protection of rights, democratic governance and public accountability.

A central feature of the anniversary will be recognising the people who founded and built the Institute, including co-founders Professor Yash Pal Ghai and Jill Cottrell Ghai, and its first Executive Director, Waikwa Wanyoike.

The campaign will pay special tribute to Professor Ghai, honouring his lifelong contribution to constitutionalism and human rights in Kenya and beyond. Through historical photographs, documents, publications and personal reflections, KI will celebrate the founding vision that shaped the institution and continues to guide its work.

KI Executive Director Nora Mbagathi said the milestone reflects the Institute’s enduring commitment to making constitutional rights meaningful in people’s lives.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

KI Board Chair Abdul Noormohamed said the anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise Katiba Institute’s contribution and reaffirm the importance of defending the Constitution.

“Katiba Institute’s journey shows why institutions committed to constitutional principles, the rule of law and 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,” he said.

He added that constitutionalism requires sustained commitment and that KI’s role in strengthening accountability and safeguarding the Constitution remains vital.

The work that remains

As KI celebrates fifteen years of progress, the anniversary also provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of constitutionalism in Kenya and the work that remains.

The 2010 Constitution established a strong framework for protecting fundamental rights, promoting accountable leadership and strengthening public participation. Its full implementation, however, requires continued vigilance, informed public engagement and effective accountability mechanisms.

The protection of constitutional gains demands collective action from citizens, public institutions, civil society organisations, the media, human rights defenders and other stakeholders.

KI therefore invites Kenyans and its partners to join the #KatibaInstituteAt15 digital campaign, celebrate fifteen years of impact and reflect on the work ahead. The campaign welcomes constitutional scholars, human rights defenders, civil society organisations, journalists, public institutions, development partners and friends of Katiba Institute to share in this milestone.

As it enters its next chapter, Katiba Institute remains committed to advancing constitutionalism, defending human rights and strengthening public accountability, working towards a society in which the Constitution shapes both governance and everyday life in Kenya and beyond.