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| Kibaki, Raila reassure Kenyans of the government's commitment to cushion them from the high cost of living |
President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have assured Kenyans of the government's commitment to working out measures aimed at cushioning the nation from the rising cost of living.
While addressing Kenyans during the 48th Madaraka day celebrations at the Nyayo national Stadium, Kibaki vowed to zero rate duty charged on paraffin and drastically reduce duty on diesel, which will see the cost of living drop.
Still on the fuel crisis that is blamed for the high inflation, Kibaki said the government is looking to develop other sources of energy such as geothermal, solar and wind power to reduce the heavy reliance on fuel.
Kibaki said that the government will also put in place up to 3months fuel supply in storage facilities and encourage competition in the oil industry so as to cushion the public from unwarranted fuel hikes.
According to the Premier, the government is working on helping citizens deal with the current situation by reducing cost of maize flour, as well as kerosene and diesel so as to reduce matatu fare and housing rent costs.
Raila added that when the Budget is read next week, it will reveal the government's development plan for next fiscal year 2011-2012.
Drought situation
On the food crisis that has seen many Kenyans face starvation as a result of recurrent droughts, Kibaki said the government is building strategic grain reserves to conserve about 8 million bags of grain, which will ensure ready availability of food in country.
"The government intends to hold stock at all times to mitigate the drought cycle," Kibaki said.
In drought stricken regions, the government will expand the free relief food program that has been running and put in place long-term concrete strategies to move from dependence on rain-fed agriculture. This includes the ongoing construction of various major dams across the country to increase water availability.
"The government is distributing foodstuffs to starving Kenyans faced with the brunt of the current drought situation and the distribution efforts will also target poor people across the country," Raila said
Constitutional achievements
The Prime Minister also touched on a more positive topic, terming the passing of the new constitution as a success, with MPs passing bills to implement it.
On his part President Kibaki said that the Madaraka Day celebrations came at a time of great promise for Kenya, with the enactment of a new constitution being an important milestone in Kenya's history.
According to him, the coalition government has initiated the implementation process as bills are being prepared and are in the process of enactment to law.
He termed as key the bills on judicial reforms, electoral reforms, devolution as well as land reforms, urging Parliament to give priority to these bills.
Raila urged MPs to steer the constitution wheel in the right direction and come together instead of politicking for the quick and timely passage of bills targeting the implementation process.
He however pointed out that the real gains of constitution will be realized after the 2012 general elections.
According to him, some gains were already visible, such as the public procedure employed in the judicial nominations process as the country sought for persons to serve as Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Kibaki said the two principles had directed all government ministries and departments to draft bills ahead of timelines set in the fifth schedule and encouraged Cabinet to discuss and approve all bills presented in the shortest time possible.
Both principles encourage the public to fully participate in stakeholder consultations on various aspects of the constitution so as to shape the legislation required to put in place various aspects of the constitution and ensuring its full implementation.
Neighbours' attacks
On security matters Kibaki expressed the government's unrelenting commitment towards security, saying it had intensified border patrols in porous areas. He also reassured Kenyans that islands of Migingo and Ugingo lie on Kenyan territory and should be no cause for alarm.
He however added that the country shall opt for diplomacy and dialogue with neighbors in case of any conflict as Kenya is the biggest promoter of regional integration and aspires to live harmoniously with her neighbors.
The President in concluding his national address added that the attainment of Madaraka came with immense responsibility, thereby urging Kenyans to oversee the nation by seeking to create a law abiding and peaceful society resulting in economic prosperity for all.
Kibaki also thanked Kenyans for their support in building a working nation, saying peace, reconciliation and healing are key in building Kenya.
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