Parts of the new constitution:
Economic and social rights
Section 43. (1) Every person has the right:
(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.
Minorities and marginalised groups
Section 56. The State shall put in place affirmative action programmes designed to ensure that minorities and
(a) participate and are represented in governance and other spheres of life;
(b) are provided special opportunities in educational and economic fields;
(c) are provided special opportunities for access to employment;
(d) develop their cultural values, languages and practices; and
(e) have reasonable access to water, health services and infrastructure.
The constitution will be promulgated on Friday August 27, 2010 and has been officially published as the New Constitution.
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August 4, 2010 became a historical day for Kenya and the global water movement: An overwhelming majority of 5.95 millions, or 67 per cent of Kenyans voted in favour of a new constitution, which implies enormous changes regarding economic and social rights. The new constitution has recognised water and sanitation as a fundamental human right.
Access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities in Kenya is limited. An estimated 41 per cent of the Kenyan population lives without access to safe drinking water, relying on unprotected wells, springs or informal water providers. 69 per cent of the total population do not have access to a safe and hygienic toilet or latrine (WHO & UNICEF, Progress on Sanitation and Drinking-Water, 2010).
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