The Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution chairman Charles Nyachae during a press conference at their offices on April 20, 2011. The CIC is is expected to meet representative from the Attorney General’s office and the Kenya Law Reform Commission to agree on specific timelines to deliver bills for debate in the House. PHOEBE OKALL
By SAMWEL KUMBA, skumba@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Wednesday, April 20 2011 at 17:14
Posted Wednesday, April 20 2011 at 17:14
The Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution is expected to meet representative from the Attorney General’s office and the Kenya Law Reform Commission to agree on specific timelines to deliver bills for debate in the House.
The move is expected to unlock the bureaucracy that CIC has always cited, especially at the AG’s office and lamed for delaying the process.
CIC chairman Charles Nyachae disclosed at a press conference Wednesday that they had resolved to do away with red tape.
According to him, bureaucracy had worked “perfectly well” in the past but could not work now that dynamics have changed.
Mr Nyachae said they had earlier in the day presented to the AG the Supreme Court Bill for publishing and onward tabling to Parliament.
Letter and spirit
He disclosed that Thursday’s meeting would agree on how to expedite the process and remain focused within deadlines.
“We are keen to ensure that the process reflects the envisaged letter and spirit of the new Constitution as well as public participation,” he said.
The Commission has also held consultations with all permanent secretaries on the specific process of reform and developed a circular to be disseminated to all implementing partners.
The circular states in part that each ministry should, within the shortest time possible submit its comprehensive plan for the development and review of sessional papers laws, by-laws and regulations, policies and administrative procedures required to implement the constitution.
Notwithstanding its late start, the Mr Nyachae remains optimistic that Kenya would keep to the timelines outlined in the Fifth Schedule.
To date the Commission has worked on six bills including the one on the Supreme Court that they presented Wednesday. These are the Judicial Services Act, Vetting of Judges and Magistrates Act, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Salaries and Remuneration Commission as well as the Independent Offices bills.
The commission has also received draft bills it is reviewing in line with the relevant Constitutional provisions before forwarding them to the AG for publishing and tabling in Parliament.
These are the Elections, Political Parties, National Police Service, National Police Service Commission, National Police Oversight Authority, Kenya National Human Rights Commission, National Gender Commission and Ombudsman Commission, Land Commission, Matrimonial Property, National Gender Commission, Private Security and Marriage bills.
There are a total of 25 pieces of legislation required to be in place prior to and in preparation for the first General Elections under the Constitution.
Apart from addressing necessary legislation, the Commission is required to monitor, facilitate and oversee the development of administrative procedures required to implement the Constitution.
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