Central government administrative control exercised through a system of commissioners appointed by the President for the 8 provinces and 62 Districts. Kenya is a member of the British Commonwealth. There will be 210 elected members of parliament after the 1997 elections. Parliament created 22 more constituencies in September 1996. Procedures generally follow British pattern.
Legislative term is five years.
Under the new multiparty system, presidents may serve no more than two five-year terms. Some 13 unregistered parties have applied for registration. The best known is Safina whose secretary-general is Dr Richard Leakey, IPK, and Kenya Patriotic Party of Dr. Munyua Waiyaki. There is universal suffrage for all citizens over 18. Voting is by secret ballot at the party nomination stage.