Kenya Reviews Protest Laws, Public Order Framework After High-Level Meeting
The administration has begun a process of reviewing the legal and policy framework that governs public rallies and protests in the country.
Felix Koskei, the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff, made the statement on Thursday, June 11, during a high-level meeting with the Ministry of Interior and other stakeholders.
Following the meeting, Koskei stated that the decision is part of attempts to strengthen the application of Article 37 of the constitution.
The initiative aims to put Article 37 into practice, which guarantees everyone the freedom to peacefully congregate, demonstrate, picket, and deliver petitions to public authorities.
I convened the inaugural meeting of the Working Group on the Operationalisation of Article 37 of the Constitution and the strengthening of the framework for public order management. Article 37 guarantees every person the right to peaceful assembly, to demonstrate, picket and… pic.twitter.com/HzD6r1IFEh— felix koskei (@koske_felix) June 11, 2026
According to the chief of staff, the review seeks to ensure that constitutional freedoms are protected while maintaining public order and safeguarding lives and property.
“We reviewed the policy architecture necessary to give effect to Article 37, constituted a multi-agency technical working group, and directed the team to prepare a revised draft informed by public memoranda and recent judicial pronouncements,” Koskei stated.
The proposed framework, he said, will seek to protect peaceful demonstrators and members of the public, establish clear standards for police conduct during protests, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and isolate criminal elements who may exploit demonstrations.
I met with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission and the State Corporations Advisory Committee at my office for a consultative dialogue on public service remuneration and governance. Discussions included how SRC can execute its mandate to set and review remuneration while SCAC… pic.twitter.com/T2qiJglUIN— felix koskei (@koske_felix) June 11, 2026
The move comes amid controversy regarding protests in Kenya at a time when Kenyans stage protests against the government.
Kenya has in recent times faced mounting questions over protests, with the police largely blamed for brutality and for how they handle protests.
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At the same time, the protesters have been blamed for causing chaos, destroying properties, and attacking officers during protests instead of demonstrating peacefully.
According to the Head of Public Service, while the constitution guarantees the right to protest, the freedoms enshrined under Article 37 carry corresponding responsibilities for both citizens and the State.
Koskei said demonstrators are expected to exercise their rights peacefully and responsibly, while security agencies must uphold professionalism, restraint, and accountability when managing public assemblies.
If implemented, Demonstrators could face more defined procedures on notifications of authorities before protests, designated routes or assembly points, and coordination with police as required by the law.
The framework could also establish rules on the use of force by police, lay procedures for dispersing crowds, and even require the identification of officers, among other requirements.
Kenya Reviews Protest Laws, Public Order Framework After High-Level Meeting
