UK Minister for Africa visits Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 28 - The government remains committed to giving Kenyans a new Constitution, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said.

He said that a new constitutional dispensation will see Kenyans continue to enjoy peace and stability as well as freedom of expression.

The Vice President affirmed that a new constitution would herald the most important reform initiative for the Grand Coalition Government.

Mr Musyoka said Kenyans have yearned for a new law for more than 20 years, noting that it was time the country gets a new Constitution.

The Vice President made the remarks on Wednesday at his Jogoo House office when he received the United Kingdom Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham.

Mr Musyoka said it was only through a new Constitution that development in all parts of the country could be realised.

"I want to assure you that we are keen and committed to giving Kenyans a new Constitution that will unite the people of this country who are divided on political and tribal backgrounds after the last general election," said Mr Musyoka.

The Vice President hailed the cordial relations between Kenya and Britain and assured that Kenya will continue to cooperate with Britain in the fields of infrastructure and trade among other areas.

"We are impressed that Britain has continued to cooperate with Kenya in the sector of trade, infrastructure and among other social activities which have led to the improvement of living standards among the people of Kenya," he said.

The VP said the Kenyan Government was committed to ensuring that the problem of
unemployment among Kenyans is tackled.

"Unemployment is the major problem facing this country and that we are doing
our best as government to solving it. This will be achieved especially with the
passage of a new law,’’ he said.

Mr Bellingham on his part applauded Kenya’s leadership for the conduct of the referendum campaigns saying that if it is passed, the new constitution will send a powerful signal to the international community.

He said the passage of a new Constitution will attract inflows of foreign and direct investments and good will.

Present were British High Commissioner to Kenya Rob Macaire and Private Secretary to the Minister Emily Malthan among others.