SPLIT

Prime Minister has Wednesday allayed fears that the country will be split along the middle by the ongoing constitution referendum campaigns and there is a real risk that a constitutional referendum would present the country with an opportunity to return to divisive politics.

However the premier has assured Kenyans that the country will not be subjected to the experiences of pre -2005 constitution referendums adding that the exercise will be civil and peaceful.

The PM was reacting to a question by Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale that the premier further added that the government will not take action against any government ministers opposed to the proposed draft constitution saying those opposing the draft are merely exercising their democratic rights.

He also said the review process has gotten to a point of no return and the government will not engage in any consensus building efforts over the proposed draft and only the ballot will decide.

He however said the government would see through the ongoing negotiations with the clergy to ensure their views are addressed, but any changes can only be assured after the referendum as per the law.

Raila also said the government will do what it takes to campaign for the draft to ensure it sails through the referendum.

The premier urged politicians against inciting communities by spreading false holds over the draft law saying it will only destroy the gains the country has achieved over the past 3 years to have a cohesive nation.

He also said the government will protect all the MPs as they campaign for their preferred positions to ensure the whole exercise is peaceful and successful one.

Raila also denied that the government has coarsed the media to air only views of those supporting the draft.

Meanwhile, the PM has defended the Kazi kwa vijana initiative as a flop saying the scheme has benefited youths across the country In both the rural areas, and urban areas by creating job employment among the youths.

The PM said in rural areas the programme has focused on building small dams, irrigation systems, laying of water pipes and other water works, repairing of access roads, clearing of bushes to eliminate mosquitoes, preparation of organic fertilizers and planting of trees.

In urban areas, on the other hand, the programme has involved in building and operating water kiosks, implementing waste management systems as well as repairing and maintaining access roads.

Phase I of KKV, which was meant to create about 60,000 jobs over the course of six months, and was expected to cost Sh1.2 billion.

Water, irrigation and forestry projects were to run from March 1 to August 31.

Phase II included projects of the Ministries of Roads, Local Governments and Regional Development as well as those of other interested parties.

However, Raila conceded that in some cases the programme had failed to live up to its expectation and added that the next financial year when the government will role out the next phase the management of initiative t will be strengthened to ensure efficiency and avert in misuse of funds meant for the project.

The PM further added that the government will keep the initiative as a major project for 2010/2011 for sustainable employment of youth through various internship programes.

The Raila said the project is already attracting funding from the World Bank and UNDP and that makes the project sustainable for continued implementation.