International Law

Why Kenyans Must Obey International Law

📝 Constitutional Obligation (Article 2(5) & 2(6))

Under the Constitution of Kenya (2010):

• Article 2(5) – The general rules of international law shall form part of the law of Kenya.
• Article 2(6) – Any treaty or convention ratified by Kenya shall form part of the law of Kenya.

✅ This means that international law is not optional — it is part of Kenyan law and enforceable in Kenyan courts.

🤝 Ratification of Treaties and Conventions

Kenya has voluntarily signed and ratified key international treaties, including:

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
• Convention Against Torture (CAT)
• African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

✅ Once ratified, Kenya is legally bound to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights enshrined in these instruments.