What is a republic and when did Kenya become one? Explain the significance of this change.

Here are the answers to your questions:

1. A republic is a form of government where the head of state is not a monarch, and the supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, who are chosen by the people.

2. Kenya became a republic on December 12, 1964.

   • a) Before Kenya became a republic, the head of State was the Queen of England.
   • b) Becoming a republic meant that Kenya replaced the British monarch as its head of state with an elected president. This change signified full sovereignty and allowed Kenyan citizens to directly choose their leader, thereby increasing democratic participation and ending the direct influence of the British Monarchy.
   • c) The first President of the Republic of Kenya on December 12, 1964, was Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
   • d) It was important for Kenyans to have their own head of State because it symbolized full independence and self-determination, allowing them to govern themselves and make decisions without external influence.
   • e) When Kenya became a republic, the government structure changed significantly. The Queen of England was replaced by an executive President who served as both the head of state and head of government. The office of Prime Minister was abolished, and the President's powers were greatly expanded.
   • f) The difference between the role of the Prime Minister and that of the President (in Kenya's post-1964 republican system) is that the Prime Minister was the head of government, responsible for day-to-day administration, but was appointed by the head of state. The President, however, became both the head of state and head of government, directly elected by the people, holding supreme executive power.
   • g) Becoming a republic improved Kenya's status in the International Community by solidifying its position as a fully sovereign and independent nation. This enhanced its ability to engage in international relations, form alliances, and participate in global forums as an equal, rather than as a former colony.