DRAFT Katiba of the KCP

1. NAME

The name of the organization shall be the Kenyan Communist Party (KCP).

2. SYMBOL AND FLAG

The symbol of The Kenyan Communist Party shall be a black star containing a gold hammer and sickle. The flag of the Kenyan Communist Party shall be red. politic, green and black with the symbol placed in the top left-hand corner.

3. AIMS

3.1 The Kenyan Communist Party strives to be the leading national force of the Kenyan working class whose interests it promotes in the struggle to advance, deepen and defend the national democratic revolution and to achieve socialism.

3.2 The Kenyan Communist Party shall pursue this by means of educating, organizing and mobilizing the working class and its allies in support of our Party and its objectives of completing the national democratic revolution and achieving socialism.

3.3 The Kenyan Communist Party shall strive to win acceptance as a vanguard democratically in ideological contest with other political parties.

3.4 The ultimate aim of the Kenyan Communist Party is the building of a communist society in which all forms of exploitation of person by person will have ended and in which all the products of human endeavour will be distributed according to need. The attainment of such a society will require an interim socialist formation in which reward will be measured by contribution.

3.5 At all stages the Kenyan Communist Party commits itself to a social order that will respect completely the cultural, language and religious rights of all sections of our society and the democratic rights of the individual. The Kenyan Communist Party will recognise the right to independence of all social organizations and political parties that function within the ambit of Kenya’s Constitution. This implies a multi-party  political framework in which there will be regular, open and free elections. Within such a framework, the Kenyan Communist Party will primarily dedicate itself to advancing the interests of the working class and its allies in democratic contest with other political forces in all spheres of life.

4. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

In leading the working class towards national and social emancipation, the Kenyan Communist Party is guided by those principles of Marxism-Leninism whose universal validity has been proven by historical experience.

The foundations of these principles were laid by Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels and Vladimir Lenin and enriched by other great revolutionaries like Amilcar Cabral, Le Duan and Abdul Rahman Mohammed Babu. In applying the general principles of Marxism-Leninism, the Kenyan Communist Party is, in the first place, concerned with their indigenous elaboration and application to the concrete realities of our own developing situation. More particularly, the Kenyan Communist Party will work to:

4.1 End the system of capitalist exploitation in Kenya and to establish a socialist society based on the common ownership of, participation in, and control by the producers of the key means of production. Such a society will respect and protect all personal non-exploitative property.

4.2 Organizer, educate and lead the working class in the struggle for socialism and the more immediate objectives of defending and deepening the national democratic revolution and of achieving national and social emancipation. The main aim of the unfolding national democratic revolution is to complete the national liberation of the Kenyan people, to ensure the destruction of the legacy of colonialialism, neo-colonialialsim and imperialism plus the strengthening of democracy, freedom and justice in every sphere of life. By participating in this revolution, the Kenyan Communist Party aims to eradicate patriarchal relations, and weaken and ultimately destroy the economic and political power of the capitalist class through struggle for working class hegemony over society,in particular the ownership and control of the economy and the achievement of one united state of people’s power. In this state, working class interests will be dominant and the economic conditions will be created which make it possible to move towards social emancipation and, eventually, the total abolition of the exploitation of person by person in both public and private spheres of life.

4.3 Organizer, educate and advance women within the working class, the poor and rural communities in pursuit of the aims of the Kenyan Communist Party; and to raise the consciousness of the working class and its allies around the integral and oppressive nature of gender relations within  capitalism.

4.4 Play a key role in strengthening the revolutionary alliance of all classes and strata whose interests are served by the immediate aims of the national democratic revolution.

4.5 Spread the widest possible understanding of our basic ideology and its application to Kenyan conditions, particularly among the working class.

4. 6 Pay particular attention to uniting the different strata of the working class.

4. 7 Combat tribalism, racism, sex discrimination, regionalism, chauvinism,  and all

forms of narrow nationalism.

4. 8 Encourage an ongoing national and international dialogue with all organizations committed to peace, transformation of gender relations, non-racialism, democracy and the preservation of

our environment.

4. 9 Promote the ideas of proletarian internationalism and the unity of the workers of South Africa and the world.

5. MEMBERSHIP

5.1 Every Kenyan over the age of 16 who accepts the Constitution, aims, guiding principles,

policies and programmes of the Kenyan Communist Party, undertakes to carry out its decisions and to be active in a Kenyan Communist Party structure, pays whatever dues are decided on, and serves a year as an interim member shall be eligible for membership.

5.2 The recruiting of members shall be primarily through the branch structures, under the supervision of county executive committees, county councils, district executive committees and district councils.

5.3 A person applying to join the Kenyan Communist Party shall be an interim member for 1 year. An interim member shall participate in Kenyan Communist Party structures and activities but shall not have the right to vote or be elected to any executive structure of the Kenyan Communist Party. To qualify for membership, the interim member has to become familiar with the Kenyan Communist Party Constitution and policies, and participate in Party programmes and campaigns. The Branch Executive Committee, or in the case of a new branch, Sub Committee Executive Committee or County Executive Committee as provided for in section 21.6, shall confer membership on an interim member.

5.4 After consultation with CECs, the Central Committee (CC) shall provide guidelines to give effect to the provisions in this Constitution on interim membership.

5.5 A person who does not qualify for citizenship or permanent residence in South Africa may be accepted as an associate member if his/her application is accepted by the Central Committee.

An associate member shall have full constitutional rights and obligations but may not stand for

election as a member of the executive at any level of the Kenyan Communist Party.

5.6 Any applicant refused admission to membership by a branch including an interim member

having served a year in the branch shall have the right to appeal against such a decision to the

District Council. Should the appeal fail, the applicant shall have the right to refer such appeal

progressively up to the higher structures of the Kenyan Communist Party.

5.7 All members shall renew their membership on an annual basis in order to remain members of the Kenyan Communist Party, and shall remain active in the work of the Kenyan Communist Party.

5.8 All new members of the Kenyan Communist Party shall undergo comprehensive induction training under the direction of the Branch, Sub County and County structures.

5.9 Every member has a duty to:

5.9.1 Regularly participate in the activities of the Kenyan Communist Party and conscientiously implement the policies, decisions and directives of the party.

5.9.2 Study Marxism-Leninism and endeavour to raise his/her level of understanding.

5.9.3 Read, engage with and popularise Kenyan Communist Party publications.

5.9.4 Serve the masses, strengthen ties with them, learn from them, convey their aspirations to

the Kenyan Communist Party and work in mass organizations within the framework of Kenyan Communist Party policies and programmes.

5.9.5 Place the interests of the workers and the poor above personal interests.

5.9.6 Practice criticism and self-criticism with a view to helping each other and improving

individual and collective work.

5.9.7 Cultivate comradely relations towards one another and constantly develop a fraternal

spirit within the Kenyan Communist Party.

5.9.8 Act in a manner that is frank, honest and truthful to the Kenyan Communist Party and does not betray the interests of the Party.

5.9.9 Safeguard the unity and solidarity of the Kenyan Communist Party and vigorously defend the interests of the workers and the poor against their opponents.

5.9.10 Act in the interests of proletarian internationalism.

Discussion Documents and Position Papers.9.11 Act, in his or her personal conduct, in a manner which will bring credit to the Kenyan Communist Party and serve as a standard bearer of the highest communist ethic and morality.

5.9.12 Observe the Kenyan Communist Party Constitution and Party discipline.

5.10 All Kenyan Communist Party members who earn above a certain amount, as determined by the CC, shall pay a levy to be determined by the CC from time to time.

5.11 Every person who joins the Kenyan Communist Party must pledge as follows:

“I accept the aims and objectives of the Kenya Communist Party and agree to abide by its Constitution and

loyally to carry out the decisions of the Party.

I shall strive to live up to the ideals of Communism and shall selflessly serve the workers and

the poor and the country, always placing the interests of the Party and the workers and the

poor above personal interests.”

5.12 A member in good standing is one who is paid-up and fulfills the basic requirements set out in this section. The number of years a member has been in good standing does not include the 1 year served as interim member, where applicable.

6. BASIC ORGANIZATIONAL PRINCIPLES

6.1 The Party shall function according to the conventional principles of democratic centralism that Communist Parties have traditionally adhered to.

6.2 To secure the unity and cohesion of the Kenyan Communist Party, members are obliged to defend the Kenyan Communist Party and to carry out its decisions. All decisions taken by higher structures are binding on all lower structures and individual members. Members shall have the right to pursue their views internally in the lead up to conferences or congresses with powers under this constitution to determine or reverse Kenyan Communist Party policies. No groupings with their own ideology, theory and discipline shall be permitted.

6.3 All higher structures shall be accountable to lower structures and to the membership in the formulation and implementation of policies and, for this purpose, shall wherever possible ensure regular and effective consultation with lower structures and the membership prior to the finalisation and implementation of major policies.

6.4 Save as provided for in this constitution, all elected office bearers of the Kenyan Communist Party and all structures with the power to formulate and direct Kenyan Communist Party policies at any level shall be elected by secret ballot unless a minimum of 75% of the delegates decide otherwise.

6.5 Members active in fraternal organizations or in any sector of the mass movement have a duty to set an example of loyalty, hard work and zeal in the performance of their duties and shall be bound by the discipline and decisions of such organizations and the movement. They shall not create or participate in KENYAN COMMUNIST PARTY caucuses within such organizations and the movement designed to influence either elections or policies. The advocacy of Kenyan Communist Party policy on any question relating to the internal affairs of any such organizations or the movement shall be by open public statements or at joint meetings between representatives of the Kenyan Communist PARTY and such organizations or the movement.

6.6 Members who are elected to positions at a higher level may not stand for election to positions at a lower level in the Kenyan Communist Party. They may serve as ex-officio members of immediate lower structures.

6.7 It shall be the duty of delegates to fairly and effectively convey to Congress and policy-making conferences the mandate of the constituency that elected them. However, delegates attending such Congresses and conferences shall not be rigidly bound by these mandates and may discuss and vote on the basis of debates at such Congresses and conferences.

6.8 Employees of the Kenyan Communist Party may not serve as elected members of constitutional structures at the same level at which they are employed, but they may serve in an advisory capacity. They may serve on and be elected to Kenyan Communist Party structures at lower levels. If an employee of the Kenyan Communist Party is elected to a position in the executive of the Kenyan Communist Party at the same level, he/she must relinquish his/her original position as an employee of the Kenyan Communist Party within a month of being elected.

6.9 All structures of the Kenyan Communist Party shall encourage the practice of constructive criticism and self-criticism in party structures.

6.10 In all work and at every level, party structures and members shall ensure that the struggle against patriarchy and for the transformation of gender relations is given due importance, including by the creation of appropriate structures empowered to perform this task. At least one third of all executives of the Kenyan Communist Party from branch level to the Central Committee shall be women.

6.12 Ex-officio members of Kenyan Communist Party structures shall not exercise a vote in those structures.

7. Young Communist League of Kenya (YCLK)

7.1 There shall be a Young Communist League (YCLK) which comprises people from 14 to 35 years old who support the Constitution, aims, guiding principles, goals, policies and programmes of the Kenyan Communist Party. The YCLK shall be the autonomous youth organization of the Kenyan Communist Party.

7.2 While the YCLK shall take its own decisions and shape its own policies and programmes,

these shall not be in conflict with the major policies and programmes of the party. If necessary,

the CC shall, after consultation with the YCLK, adopt guidelines to give practical effect to this

clause.

8. NATIONAL CONGRESS

8.1 The highest authority of the Kenyan Communist Party shall be a National Congress which shall be called every 5 years. The CC may convene other Special National Congresses which shall have the same power as the main National Congress except for the provisions relating to the election of office bearers and members of the CC. Such a Special National Congress may, however, decide on elections by a 75% majority. A Special National Congress shall be convened by the CC if directed to do so by a decision of more than two-thirds of the provinces.

8.2 The National Congress shall be constituted by elected delegates from the branches and directly elected and co-opted CC members. All Kenyan Communist Party provinces shall be represented in proportion to their membership in branches. The CC shall prior to each National Congress determine the total number of elected delegates and shall allocate a quota to each province in proportion to its membership as organized in branches. The provinces shall then allocate a quota of delegates from the County Executive Committee (CEC) and for branches in proportion to their membership. The CC shall decide the number of voting delegates that the YCL shall be entitled to. The CC shall have the authority to invite non-voting delegates made up of veterans and similar categories. With the permission of the National Congress such delegates may attend and participate in all closed sessions. A Special National Congress shall be constituted on similar lines as a National Congress.

8.3 The National Congress shall discuss the reports of the CC, receive and discuss an audited

financial statement and the report of the National Treasurer, examine and decide the policies

of the Kenyan Communist Party, and shall be, save for the exception provided for in clause 8.1, the only authority with the power to elect the General Secretary, National Chairperson, National Treasurer,2 Deputy General Secretaries, Deputy National Chairperson, and members of the CC. The Central Committee shall ensure that all major draft documents for the consideration of the National Congress shall be circulated to all structures at least 2 months prior to the Congress.

All comments, resolutions and proposals on such documents shall be tabled at the National

Congress.

8.4 Unless otherwise decided by the National Congress, its plenary proceedings shall be in open session. Unless otherwise provided for in this constitution, all decisions of the National Congress shall be by a simple majority through a show of hands.

9. THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (CC)

Unless otherwise provided for in this constitution, the Central Committee (CC) shall have the

power to direct the work of the Kenyan Communist Party, to determine all questions of policy, and to issue binding instructions and directives to all levels of the Kenyan Communist Party, save that any departure from major policy decisions of the National Congress demanded by changing conditions shall only be made after full consultation with the membership. The CC shall:

9.1 Consist of 11 members elected at the National Congress, the General Secretary, National Chairperson, National Treasurer, 1st Deputy General Secretary, Deputy National Chairperson, and 2nd and 3rd Deputy General Secretaries and, in addition to those directly elected, the Secretaries and Chairpersons of all the provinces, who, together with the national secretary and national chairperson of the YCLK, shall be ex-officio members. The General Secretary and 3 Deputy General Secretaries shall constitute the Secretariat, led by the General Secretary.

Any County Secretary or Chairperson elected to the CC in his/her own right shall forfeit his/

her position on the CEC. The CC shall have the right to co-opt 5 members, apart from veterans.

The CC shall include at least one-third women in its make-up, including after co-option. All

nominations for the elected members of the CC shall be submitted by provinces to the CC not

later than 2 weeks before the National Congress. Nominations from the floor of the Congress

shall be accepted if seconded by a minimum of 40% of Congress delegates. Only a person

who has been a member in good standing in the Kenyan Communist Party for more than 2 years and has been a Kenyan Communist Party or YCLK PEC member for at least 1 year shall be eligible for election to the CC.

9.2 Meet at least every 4 months in plenary session. Any major draft political reports to be considered by the plenary session shall be timeously circulated to the membership for comments and criticisms.

9.3 Decide on the specific portfolios of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Deputy General Secretaries, provided these portfolios include policy, organization-building, campaigns and administration.

9.4 Decide who will be the full-time members of the CC, provided that at least one member of the Secretariat serves full-time.

9.6 Ensure that all elected office bearers, CC members, provincial committees, other party

structures and members carry out their duties effectively.

9.7 Control and supervise all national Kenyan Communist Party media and set up the necessary structures for their effective functioning.

9.8 Stimulate and provide a flow of education in Marxist-Leninist theory and its application to our conditions for all Kenyan Communist Party members, and promote cadre development.

9.9 Inform and guide the membership on current political developments and also provide regular information on Kenyan Communist Party organizational activities.

9.10 Represent the Kenyan Communist Party nationally in its relations with other political parties and organizations.

9.11 Manage and control all Kenyan Communist PARTY property and funds.

9.12 Have the right by a two-thirds majority (excluding the comrade affected) to remove or suspend any of its members from serving on the CC for any serious misconduct detrimental to the Kenyan Communist Party.

Any such actions shall be reported to the membership.

9.13 Appoint from among its members the heads of Commissions. Elected CC members shall be obliged to work within a Commission of the Kenyan Communist Party as deployed by the CC. Failure to participate in the work of the Commission shall be reported to the CC by the Head of Commission.

9.14 Consider the removal of CC members who fail to attend 3 consecutive CC meetings, without tendering apologies or providing reasonable explanations for their absence.

10. POLITICAL BUREAU (PB)

10.1 The CC shall meet immediately after the Congress and shall, through the consensus of at

least 60% of the CC appoint from its ranks 11 members, who together with the elected office

bearers, shall constitute the Political Bureau (PB). At least 7 of the additional PB members shall be appointed to specific portfolios, including organizing, fund-raising, political education and

international relations. If there is not the necessary consensus on the appointments, the CC shall elect the 11 additional members of the Politburo through a secret ballot. The national secretary of the YCLK shall be an ex-officio member of the PB.

10.2 The PB shall conduct the current work of the Kenyan Communist Party and shall exercise all the powers and functions of the CC between meetings of the CC, except those powers and functions which this constitution specifically reserves for plenary sessions of the CC.

10.3 The PB shall meet at least once a month. It shall establish whatever administrative structures it deems necessary to facilitate the carrying out of its decisions between meetings of the PB.

10.4 The CC shall constantly assess and evaluate the work of the PB, and where necessary, shall recall members of the PB.

10.5 Any member of the CC may, by invitation of the PB, attend any of its meetings.

10.6 The PB shall have the right by a two-third majority decision (excluding the comrade affected) to suspend any comrade from the PB for any serious misconduct detrimental to the Kenyan Communist Party. Such a decision shall be enforced until the next plenary session of the CC which shall either confirm or reverse the PB decision.

11. DUTIES OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY

The General Secretary shall be the leading National Office Bearer of the Kenyan Communist Party According to conditions determined by the CC. The General Secretary shall be an ex officio member of all party structures and shall:

11.1 Keep (or cause to be kept) the minutes of all CC and PB meetings and such other books, records and archives as may be required.

11.2 Attend to the correspondence of the CC and PB.

11.3 Maintain regular personal and written contact with all the provinces and keep the membership informed of the work of the CC and PB.

11.4 Ensure that members of the CC are kept informed of the work of the PB in between meetings of the CC.

11.5 Draw up (or cause to be drawn up) all reports and documents as may be decided upon by the CC or PB.

11.6 The Deputy General Secretaries shall, as directed by the CC, taking into account their respective portfolios, deputise for the General Secretary in respect of all the functions set out above.

12. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON

The National Chairperson shall rank after the General Secretary as a national office bearer of the Kenyan Communist Party and shall be an ex officio member of all party structures. The National Chairperson shall:

12.1 Preside at all meetings of the CC and PB in conformity with the constitution and other rules and procedures adopted by these bodies.

12.2 Have a deliberative vote only.

12.3 The Deputy National Chairperson shall, as directed by the CC, deputise for the National

Chairperson in respect of all the functions set out above.

13. DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL TREASURER

The National Treasurer shall:

13.1 Under the direction of the CC and PB take all necessary measures to ensure that the Kenyan Communist Party is provided with sufficient means to carry out its political and organizational tasks.

13.2 Dispose of such funds as the CC authorized by general or specific mandate.

13.3 Be responsible for the safe-keeping and administration of all property and monies of the Kenyan Communist Party.

13.4 Keep such books and accounts as will clearly record and reflect the financial position of the Kenyan Communist Party and submit statements of income and expenditure to the CC and PB at intervals to be determined by the CC and PB.

13.5 Under the direction of the CC present audited financial statements and written financial reports to the Congress.

13.6 Be the convenor of a Finance Committee appointed by the CC.

14. SUB-NATIONAL STRUCTURES

14.1 The Kenyan Communist Party shall have 47 County structures whose boundaries shall coincide with the boundaries of the 47 counties of the country.

14.2. In each county, there shall be the following structures:

14.2.1 County Councils and CECs.

14.2.2 Sub-County Councils and Sub-County Executive Committees (SCECs).

14.2.3 Branches and Branch Executive Committees (BECs).

14.2.4 Where appropriate, Sub-Districts may be established.

15. CONTY CONGRESS

Subject to the other provisions of this Constitution, the County Congress shall be the highest structure of the Kenyan Communist Party in each county. The County Congress shall:

15.1 Be held every 2 years.

15.2 Be attended by elected branch delegates in proportion to their paid-up branch membership.

All members of the CEC, and the Sub-County Secretary and Chairperson of each SCDEC shall be delegates. The CEC shall, subject to any directives that may be provided by the CC, decide on the number of voting delegates at the County Congress to which the YCLK in the counties hall be entitled. One non-voting delegate from each Unit may attend.

15.3 Receive and consider reports from the CEC and, subject to the other provisions of the constitution, make whatever decisions it considers necessary to advance Kenyan Communist Party organization and policies in its county.

15.4 Elect the County Secretary, County Chairperson, County Treasurer, Deputy County

Chairperson, 1st Deputy County Secretary, 2ndDeputy County Secretary, and up to 12

(ordinary members of the CEC. The County Secretary and 2nd Deputy County Secretaries

shall constitute the County Secretariat, led by the County Secretary.

15.5 Only a person who has been in the Kenyan Communist Party as a member in good standing for more than 2 years and has served in a Kenyan Communist Party or YCLK SCEC for at least 1 year shall be eligible for election to a CEC.

16. THE COUNTY COUNCIL

Between County Congresses, the County Council shall be the highest decision-making body in

the province. It shall:

16.1 Consist of all members of the CEC, the chairpersons and secretaries of each SCEC, and

delegates representing branches in proportion to their membership. The CEC shall, subject

to any directives that may be provided by the CC, decide on the number of voting delegates

at the County Council to which the YCLK in the province shall be entitled. One non-voting

delegate from each Unit may attend.

16.2 Meet at least once every 4 months.

16.3 Fill any vacant CEC positions provided that these do not exceed a third of the CEC.

17. COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (CEC)

The County Executive Committee (CEC) shall comprise those elected in terms of 15.4, co-opted in terms of 17.8, and the Secretary and the Chairperson of each SCEC as ex-officio members. The provincial secretary and provincial chairperson of the YCLK shall be ex-officio members of the CEC.

The CEC shall be the body responsible for carrying out all decisions of the Provincial Congress and the County Council. It:

17.1 Shall decide who shall be full-time members of the CEC, provided at least one of the members of the County Secretariat is full-time.

17.2 Shall meet immediately after its election to appoint a County Working Committee (CWC)

through the consensus of at least 60% of CEC members present at a quorate meeting. The

CWC shall consist of all the County Office Bearers and not less than 3 additional members

of the CEC. The CEC shall decide on specific portfolios of the Deputy County Secretaries,

provided that these portfolios include organization-building, campaigns and administration.

The majority of the additional members of the CWC shall be appointed to specific portfolios.

The PEC shall decide on the portfolios. A minority of CWC members may be appointed without

portfolios. If there is not the necessary consensus on the portfolios or who should be appointed

to them, an election by secret ballot shall be held for the additional CWC members. The

provincial secretary of the YCLK shall be an ex-officio member of the CWC. The CWC shall

meet at least once every fortnight and implement all the decisions of the CEC.

17.3 Shall meet at least once a month.  

17.4 Shall submit reports to the CC, the County Congress and the County Council as often as

is required.

17.5 Shall appoint provincial organizer and other staff in consultation with the CC.

17.6 Shall organizer, establish and service districts and/or branches in its county.

17.7 Shall establish appropriate provincial structures consistent with national guidelines to carry out political, organizational, financial and campaign tasks.

17.8 Shall, if necessary, co-opt up to 3 members into the CEC.

18. SUB COUNTY CONGRESS

The CEC may form a District consisting of not less than 5 branches. After consulting with the CECs, the CC shall draw up a policy framework to determine the boundaries of districts. This policy framework shall take into account the boundaries and size of municipalities.

Subject to the provisions of this constitution, the Sub County Congress shall be the highest structure of the Kenyan Communist Party in each district. The Sub County Congress shall:

18.1 Be held at least once every 2 years.

18.2 Be attended by delegates elected by branches in proportion to their membership. All members of the Sub County Executive Committee (SCEC) shall be delegates to the Sub County Congress. The SCEC shall, subject to any directives that may be provided by the CC and CEC, decide on the number of voting delegates at the District Congress to which the YCLK in the Sub County shall be entitled.

One non-voting delegate from each unit may attend.

18.3 Receive and consider reports from the SCEC and, subject to the provisions of the constitution, take all decisions to implement the policies and programmes of the Kenyan Communist Party in the district.

18.4 Elect the Sub County Secretary, Chairperson, Treasurer, Deputy Secretary, Deputy Chairperson and a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 12 Sub County Executive members. The SCEC will elect an Internal Secretary for Organizing and Campaigns and Internal Secretary for Political Education and Ideological Development among its members. Only a person who has been in the Kenyan Communist Party for more than 5 years as a member in good standing and has served in a Kenyan Communist Party or YCLSK BEC for at least 2 years shall be eligible for election to the SCEC. The Sub County Secretary and Sub County   Chairperson of the YCLK shall be ex-officio members of the SCEC. The SCEC may co-opt up to 3 additional members into the SCEC. The SCEC shall appoint a Sub County Working Committee (SCWC) immediately after the sub County Congress through the consensus of at least 60%of the SCEC members present at a quorate meeting. The SCWC shall consist of the sub County Office Bearers and not less than 3 additional members of the SCEC. The majority of the additional members shall be appointed to specific portfolios. The portfolios shall be consistent with the portfolios established at county level. The sub County Secretary of the YCLK shall be an ex-officio member of the SCWC. The SCWC shall meet at least once every fortnight, and implement all decisions of the SCEC and higher structures where relevant.

19. THE SUB COUNTY COUNCIL

Between SUB County Congresses, the sub County Council shall be the highest decision-making body in the District.

It shall consist of all members of the SCEC and delegates in proportion to their branch membership. The SCEC shall, subject to any directives that may be provided by the CC and CEC, decide on the number of voting delegates at the Sub County Council to which the YCLK in the Sub County shall be entitled. One nonvoting delegate from each unit may attend. The Cub County Council shall:

19.1 Meet at least once every 3 months.

19.2 Have the power to fill vacancies on the SCEC provided they do not exceed one- third of its

members.

20. SUB COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (SCEC)

The Sub County Executive Committee (SCEC) shall carry out the decisions of the Sub County Congress and Sub County Council. The SCEC shall:

20.1 Meet at least once a month.

20.2 Supervise the collection of subscriptions.

20.3 Submit reports to the CEC, the Sub County Congress and sub County Council on the state of organization and the finances of the District.

20.4 In consultation with the CEC, appoint a Sub County organizer and staff where possible.

20.5 Organizer, establish and service branches.

20.6 In co-ordination with the Sub County Council:

20.6.1 elaborate strategic, tactical and organizational tasks;

20.6.2 ensure full participation of Kenyan Communist Party branches in Kenyan Communist Party activities and in the national democratic and socialist struggles;

20.6.3 initiate, co-ordinate and support campaigns at local level;

20.6.4 spearhead and support programmes for socialist education; and

20.6.5 develop working class leadership on the ground.

21. SUB-DISTRICTS

SCECs may approve of the establishment of Sub-Districts in Districts that cover large geographical areas and have a minimum of 5 branches. The Sub-Districts shall comprise a minimum of 2 adjoining branches with a minimum of 25 members.

21.1 The CC, after consulting with the CECs, shall develop policy guidelines on the role and

composition of Sub-District, which shall include the following:

21.1.1 A Sub-District Council comprising representatives of at least 3 branches in proportion

to their membership, shall elect a Sub-District Executive Committee.

21.1.2 Only a person who has been in the Kenyan Communist Party for more than 2 years as a member in good standing and has served in a Kenyan Communist Party or YCLK BEC for at least 1 year shall be eligible for election to the Sub-District Executive Committee.

21.1.3 The Secretary and Chairperson of each branch within the Sub-District shall be ex-officio

members of the Sub-District Executive Committee.

21.1.4 The Secretary of each YCLK branch in the Sub-District shall also be ex-officio members of the Sub-District Executive Committee.

21.1.5 The Secretary and Chairperson of each Sub-District shall be ex-officio members of the

SCEC.

22. BRANCHES

The basic structure of the Kenyan Communist Party is the branch, to be formed at a residential area or workplace, and every member shall be obliged to belong to a branch. After consultation with the PECs, the CC shall draw up a policy framework for the determination of the boundaries of branches. This policy framework shall take into account the ward and voting district boundaries within a municipality.

The branch shall:

22.1 Consist of a minimum of 5 members.

22.2 Ensure that its members are given every opportunity to exercise their basic democratic right to discuss and formulate policies.

22.3 Ensure that it acts as a basic unit of activity for members by:

22.3.1 elaborating strategic, tactical and organizational tasks for the branch;

22.3.2 fully participating in the national democratic and socialist struggles;

22.3.3 initiating and co-ordinating campaigns;

22.3.4 conducting programmes on socialist education; and

22.3.5 developing working class leadership on the ground.

22.4 Assist members to fulfill their duties as defined in clause 5.9 above and interim members to meet the requirements for membership set out in 5.3 above.

22.5 Meet at least once a month.

22.6 Elect a BEC at (an annual branch meeting) (biennially) consisting of a Secretary, Chairperson,Treasurer, Deputy Secretary and Deputy Chairperson and not more than 5 (8) additional

committee members. The BEC will elect an Internal Secretary for Organizing and Campaigns

and Internal Secretary for Political Education and Ideological Development among its members.

Only a person who has been a member in good standing for more than 3 years shall be eligible for election to the BEC, except in the case of a totally new branch, in which case those who have been conferred membership by the SCEC or CEC, having served a year as interim members, may stand for election to the BEC. The BEC shall submit regular reports to the SCEC.

22.7 Where a vacancy arises among the office bearers of the branch, the next Branch General

meeting shall elect an interim office bearer, who will serve for the remainder of the period until the next AGM.

22.8 Only send a voting delegate/s to a Kenyan Communist Party Congress, Conference, or Council at National, County, Sub-County or Sub-District levels, if that branch has been in existence and functioning for at least 6 months.

23. PARTY UNITS

23.1 Units of the Kenyan Communist Party, consisting of a minimum of 4 members may be formed in circumstances where a branch cannot be formed. This unit shall be represented by one person on the nearest BEC. All the members of such a unit shall have all the responsibilities and duties of Kenyan Communist Party members but do not have voting rights at Branch meetings or Sub-District or Sub County or County Councils and Congresses. Such units shall be allowed to exist and function for no more than one year without launching as a full branch, unless otherwise authorized by the SCEC or CEC where a SCEC does not exist or is not functional.

23.2 Units of the Kenyan Communist Party consisting of a minimum of 4 members may also be formed in workplaces, with the approval of the SCEC or CEC where a CEC does not exist or is not functional.

23.3 Units of the Kenyan Communist Party consisting of a minimum of 4 members may also be formed to facilitate and encourage participation in Kenyan Communist Party activities in a branch which covers a wide geographical area.

The formation of such units within a branch must be approved at a branch general meeting.

23.4 Sectoral units of the Kenyan Communist Party consisting of a minimum of 4 members may also be formed to advance Kenyan Communist Party goals within different spheres of society. The formation and role of these units shall be determined by the CC or CEC, as appropriate.

23.5 Consistent with these provisions on Party units, the CC may provide guidelines on Party units.

24. QUORUMS

24.1 The launch of new branches, branch AGMs and branch general meetings: more than 50%

of the members.

24.2 Units: more than 50% of the members.

22.3 Sub County Congress, sub County Council, Sub-District Council: more than 50% of the branches.

24.4 County Congress and County Council: more than 50% of the branches.

24.5 National Congress: more than 50% of the branches.

24.6 BEC, Sub-District Executive, SCEC, CEC, CWC, CC, PB: more than 50% of the elected

members on each of these structures.

24.7 If after one hour, the relevant constitutional structure has not quorated, the meeting is

regarded as non-quorate.

24.8 Meetings which do not quorate shall re-convene between 2 and 14 days later. Delegates

present at the said meeting shall form a quorum.

24.9 Interim members do not constitute part of any quorum.

25. DISCIPLINE

25.1 (a) A member who is found guilty of a breach of any provision of this constitution or any

other conduct detrimental to the Kenyan Communist Party shall be subject to discipline by the KENYAN COMMUNIST PARTY.

(b) The CC may adopt a list of offences in terms of which a member may be charged for a

breach of Kenyan Communist Party discipline.

25.2 (a) Disciplinary proceedings shall normally be conducted at the level where the alleged

violation or offence took place, namely the branch, district, province or national.

(b) A BEC, SCEC or CEC shall, where necessary, establish a disciplinary committee to hear

disciplinary cases.

(c) The CC shall appoint:

(i) A Standing Disciplinary Committee of not less than 2 and not more than 5

persons to hear disciplinary cases.

(ii) A National Appeals Committee whose composition shall be members of the

Kenyan Communist Party who are not members of the CC to hear appeals.

(d) The CC may direct that the disciplinary proceedings should be heard at a higher level

than where the alleged violation took place.

25.3 (a) Any person facing disciplinary proceedings shall receive at least one week’s notice of

any hearing, as well as the basic allegations and charges against him or her and be afforded a reasonable opportunity to make his or her defence.

(b) The disciplinary proceedings shall be completed within 90 days of the member receiving

the notice of hearing.

(c) No member shall be judged or disciplined without a proper hearing. This does not mean

that sections 9.11 and 25.6 (c) may not be effected.

(d) The CC shall draw up rules of procedure to be followed during a hearing process.

25.4 Refusal to participate in a disciplinary hearing or to accept the authority of the relevant Kenyan Communist Party structure to impose disciplinary action shall constitute a serious office, requiring immediate suspension for a period of at least 60 days. At the end of this period, the disciplinary hearing shall be restarted, and should the member repeat such refusal, the member shall be expelled from the Kenyan Communist Party by the CC.

25.5 The case against a member facing disciplinary action shall proceed even if that member

resigns or refuses to appear before the Standing Disciplinary Committee.

25.6 (a) Penalties for violations in terms of subsection 1 shall include a reprimand, payment of

compensation, the performance of useful tasks, suspension or expulsion.

(b) The penalties imposed by a branch or district disciplinary committee shall be immediately

reported to the CEC for approval before they come into effect.

(c) The CEC shall have the power to suspend members or impose lesser forms of punishment,

which shall come into effect without prior approval of the CC, but such measure shall be immediately reported to the CC, which has the power to amend or reverse them.

(d) Expulsion shall be imposed only by the CC acting either on its own initiative or after

receiving a fully documented recommendation from a CEC.

(e) A suspended member shall not be allowed to attend meetings of any Kenyan Communist Party structure during the period of suspension except by special invitation.

25.7 (a) Any person found guilty in a disciplinary proceeding shall have the right to appeal to the

National Appeals Committee. All appeals shall be submitted through the County Council

concerned or in the case of a matter heard by the Standing Disciplinary Committee, through

the CC, within 30 days of the person being notified of the decision. The County Council

or CC shall forward the appeal together with all other relevant documentation to the National

Appeals Committee.

(b) The lodging of an appeal shall not postpone the operation of the penalty.

(c) Any member of the Kenyan Communist Party whose appeal has been rejected by the National Appeals Committee shall have the right to appeal against such a decision in writing to the next Congress. The written appeal shall be submitted to the PB within 3 months of the date the member is informed of the National Appeals Committee’s decision.

25.8 The CC-approved report on disciplinary taken against a Kenyan Communist Party member shall be referred to the National Secretary of the YCLK for the attention of the YCLK National Committee if the Kenyan Communist Party member is also a YCLK member. The YCLSA shall take the same action against the member as the KENYAN COMMUNIST PARTY.

25.9 The YCLK National Committee-approved report on disciplinary action against a YCLK member who is also a Kenyan Communist Party member shall be referred to the Kenyan Communist Party General Secretary. The General Secretary shall refer the report to the Kenyan Communist Party Standing Disciplinary Committee for its recommendation to the CC on what action, if any, should be taken against the YCLK member.

26. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

26.1 This constitution can be amended by a majority vote at National Congresses.

26.2 All proposed amendments to the constitution shall be submitted in writing to the CC not less than 2 months prior to a National Congress. The CC shall ensure that all provinces, districts

and other structures receive such amendments or any other amendments proposed by the CC

not less than 6 weeks prior to the National Congress and all comments received shall be tabled

at the National Congress. Amendments that do not meet these deadlines shall be considered

by a National Congress, provided a two-thirds majority of the delegates agree that they may

be considered.