Economic and Social Rights as Enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution

Do Kenyans know their rights? How deep do Kenyans know and understand their rights? The Kenyan Constitution is the solemn document that has everything that Kenyans need. But what is ailing us? Ignorance.

Article 43 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya states that every person has the right to:-

a) To the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to health care services, including reproductive health care;

b) To accessible and adequate housing, and to reasonable standards of sanitation.

c) To be free from hunger, and to have adequate food of acceptable quality

d) To clean and safe water in adequate quantities;

e) To social security; and

f) To education.

Did you know that such provisions existed in the constitution? Nurses have been on strike for close to four months now. Has Article 43 (1) (a) been achieved? What about housing? Slums are mushrooming all over and the wishful thinking of building proper houses for the poor only exists in the minds of the rich.

Article 43 (2) states that a person shall not be denied emergency medical treatment while the same Article in (3) says that the state shall provide appropriate social security to persons who are unable to support themselves and their dependants.