The Penal Code of Kenya is a legal document that outlines the various criminal offenses and their corresponding penalties in the country. It provides a framework for the criminal justice system in Kenya and serves as a guide for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges, and other legal professionals involved in the administration of justice.
The Penal Code is governed by the laws of Kenya and has undergone several revisions over the years to reflect changes in society and legal developments. The most recent version of the Penal Code in Kenya is based on the Penal Code Act, Chapter 63 of the Laws of Kenya.
The Penal Code covers a wide range of criminal offenses, including but not limited to offenses against the person (such as murder, assault, and rape), offenses against property (such as theft, burglary, and arson), offenses relating to public order (such as rioting and unlawful assembly), offenses against morality (such as prostitution and pornography), offenses against the state (such as treason and sedition), and many others.
Each offense in the Penal Code is defined and described, along with the elements that must be proven for a person to be convicted of that offense. The code also specifies the penalties that may be imposed upon conviction, which can include imprisonment, fines, or both.