By Nyang’au Araka

Katiba Institute is marking 15 years of promoting constitutionalism, protecting human rights and strengthening accountable governance in Kenya, with a three-week digital campaign set to highlight its achievements and challenges ahead.

The anniversary, commemorated under the theme “15 Years of Constitutionalism, Impact and Legacy,” comes as the organisation reflects on its journey since its establishment in 2011 and the continuing work of implementing Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.

Board chair Abdul Noormohamed said the milestone was an opportunity to recognise the institute’s contribution to constitutionalism while reminding Kenyans of the need for sustained commitment to defending the Constitution.

“Katiba Institute’s journey shows why institutions committed to constitutional principles, the rule of law, human rights matter,” Noormohamed said in a statement sent to GPC News Desk.

“This milestone honours the vision of the founders, the dedication of those who have built the organisation, and the support of its partners. It is also a reminder that constitutionalism demands sustained commitment.”

The institute will run its digital anniversary campaign from October 26 to November 13, 2026, highlighting landmark cases, stories of impact, institutional milestones, publications and reflections from current and former staff and partners.

The campaign will also examine challenges shaping Kenya’s constitutional future and opportunities to strengthen the rule of law, human rights and accountability.

Founded to help translate the promise of the 2010 Constitution into reality, Katiba Institute has pursued its mandate through strategic litigation, research, public participation, civic education, access to information initiatives, media engagement and partnerships.

It began with fewer than 10 staff members focused on entrenching constitutionalism in Kenya.

The organisation now has more than 22 staff, with its work extending beyond Kenya into regional and international engagements on rights, democracy and the rule of law.

According to the institute, Kenya’s Constitution, particularly its Bill of Rights, is widely regarded as one of the most progressive in the world.

Public interest litigation has contributed significantly to the development of constitutional jurisprudence, with courts, lawmakers and rights advocates beyond Kenya increasingly looking to the country’s experience.

Katiba Institute also noted that public interest litigation, once undertaken by a handful of organisations, has grown into a more vibrant field involving many actors.

It views this expansion as evidence of a maturing constitutional culture and an opportunity to concentrate on areas where it can make the greatest contribution.

Under its current strategic plan, the institute focuses on the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedoms, climate and natural resource protection, human rights in the digital world, and institutional wellbeing.

The anniversary campaign will revisit the organisation’s founding, landmark cases, publications and other institutional achievements.

It will also honour co-founders Professor Yash Pal Ghai and Jill Cottrell Ghai, alongside its first executive director, Waikwa Wanyoike.

A central feature will be a tribute to Professor Ghai, recognising his lifelong contribution to constitutionalism and human rights in Kenya and beyond.

Historical photographs, documents, publications and personal reflections will be used to celebrate the founding vision that continues to guide the institute.

Executive director Nora Mbagathi said the organisation’s work had consistently focused on making constitutional rights meaningful in people’s daily lives.

“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,” Mbagathi said.

She thanked communities, partners, staff and supporters who had contributed to the institute’s journey, renewing its commitment to constitutionalism, human rights and accountable governance in Kenya and beyond.

The anniversary also comes with a reflection on the unfinished business of constitutional implementation.

While the 2010 Constitution established a framework for rights protection, accountable leadership and public participation, the institute says its full implementation requires vigilance, informed public engagement and effective accountability mechanisms.

Katiba Institute has invited constitutional scholars, human rights defenders, civil society organisations, journalists, public institutions, development partners and members of the public to participate in the #KatibaInstituteAt15 campaign.

The organization promised that it will continue working towards a society in which the Constitution shapes both governance and everyday life.