Laws of Kenya

On the territory of the country there are several different ethnic groups that adhere to the norms of both traditional African, Muslim and Hindu law. Therefore, the laws of Kenya are quite complex for the understanding of foreigners, and apply them quite flexibly in every situation. Most of the legislative framework dates back to the times of British colonization.

Key features of Kenya's legislative system

In making judgments, in most cases, common law rules are used, and only occasionally, depending on the nationality of the plaintiff and the respondent, judges take into account local traditions . Let us highlight the most interesting laws of the country that tourists should know about:

1. Citizens of the country belonging to any race and religion may marry. For Christian Africans, it is possible to register a marriage under a simplified procedure and to legitimize a marriage union concluded not in state registration authorities, but in accordance with the customs of the tribe.
2. Many Kenyans adhere to polygamy, that is, they have several wives, and this is not considered a crime.
3. Kenya takes care of protecting the labor rights of citizens, so their right to join trade unions, strike, collective bargaining with the employer, etc., is recognized.
4. As punishments for crimes are used not only the usual fine, imprisonment for life or for a certain period of time or public works, but also such an unusual punishment for a European as flogging. The country also often applies the death penalty, which is appointed not only for murder or robbery with the threat of life to the victims, but also for treason.
5. In public places, foreigners are forbidden to undress, although for local residents the law is not so severe.
6. The territory of the country is allowed to import no more than 1 liter of alcoholic beverages, 600 ml of toilet water, 200 pieces of cigarettes or 50 pieces of cigars. Do not even try to bring drugs, weapons, explosives, ammunition, seedlings, seeds, fruits. You can take as many foreign currencies as you want, but you need to declare it, but you can not take out the Kenyan currency, like diamonds, gold, animal skins and elephant tusks, unless you have a special license.
7. During the safari, each participant is allowed to take with him no more than 1 suitcase. If you went on such a tour, do not leave the jeep without permission, do not make noise, do not feed wild animals and do not bathe in unplaced places. Since environmental laws in Kenya are very strict, do not even think about bringing a stuffed animal from your trip.
8. The anti-alcohol law in the country is quite severe: you will not be able to buy alcohol from 0.00 to 14.00 on weekends and from 0.00 to 17.00 on weekdays. In addition, alcohol can be sold only at a distance of more than 300 m from schools.
9. Smoking in public places is prohibited: this is punishable by a fine.
10. The speed of traffic in the city should not exceed 60 km / h, on the road outside it - 115 km / h.

To the tourist on a note

1. To certain traditions of local people should be treated with respect: thus, one can not photograph representatives of African tribes without their permission or independently, without a guide, to visit the dwellings of the native Maasai. It is also forbidden to shoot in the main square of the Kenyan capital near the mausoleum of the country's first president, Jomo Kenyatta.
2. If you are 21 and you have been legally residing in Kenya for a year, you can apply for citizenship. To do this, it is necessary to live here for 4 years out of 7 years, which immediately preceded the last 12 months, to have a good command of Swahili and have a good reputation.
3. Foreigners can easily buy a house, a company or land, unless it is an agricultural land. In this case, its owner can only be a legal entity - a company where two or more owners are foreigners.