Reforms unstoppable, Kibaki affirms

BY PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE

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null 1/1 President Kibaki is welcomed at the constitutional conference/PPS NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 21 - The Government is committed to the implementation of far reaching reforms in the governance system touching on the three arms of the Government, President Mwai Kibaki has said. President Kibaki emphasised that the new Constitution had created an enabling framework for fundamental reforms to address governance issues and challenges that hinder the progress of the nation. Moreover, the President observed, the new Constitution had accorded Kenyans an opportunity to re-examine their nationhood, embrace a new value-system, reconfigure the economy and change their politics. Said the President: "On 27th August last year, I promulgated the Constitution, which had been ratified by a great majority of Kenyans. "Since then, the Government has made great strides in implementing the Constitution. So far we have facilitated the enactment of enabling legislation and the establishment of institutions needed for implementation of the constitution." The President made the remarks on Tuesday during the official opening of the National Conference on Implementation of the Constitution at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre. Noting that the implementation of some reforms have already commenced, President Kibaki stated that the transformations would deepen the country's democracy and facilitate development. "The conference comes at an opportune time when implementation of the constitution has gathered momentum.  We are also two months away, from the first anniversary of the promulgation of the constitution. This conference will therefore provide an opportunity for the sharing of experiences." In this regard, the Head of State noted that the Government was keen on consolidating national cohesion and unity as well as strengthening mechanisms for transparency and accountability. With regard to economic reforms, President Kibaki said that programmes aimed at addressing poverty, inequality, regional imbalances and unemployment particularly among the youth would be prioritized. The President said, "This will ensure that the people of Kenya are sufficiently empowered to engage in more production in order to enjoy better living standards." He particularly challenged the participants in the conference to come up with practical and viable recommendations because Kenyans want to see the new Constitution at work as evidenced by their overwhelming support during the referendum. During the occasion, the Head of State affirmed that the new Constitution had created avenues and structures of facilitating attainment of goals outlined in the country's development blue print, Vision 2030. In this regard, he called on Kenyans to work hard so as to remain in the path of achieving prosperity, equitable and democratic nation where all citizens enjoy high quality life. The President expressed joy that Kenyans have already started benefiting from the transformative process such as improved infrastructure development like better roads, conducive investment climate and greater focus on cushioning vulnerable sectors of the society. Said the Head of State, "Our national Vision 2030, sets out an elaborate agenda of measures towards creating a better nation.  We have begun reforms required to achieve the vision. Kenyans are benefiting from this transformative process." In order to implement the Constitution smoothly, President Kibaki confirmed that the Government had allocated substantial funds to cater for massive financial and human resources required in the process. He appreciated the support of development partners including the United Nations because the process required huge resources yet other national needs required funding too particularly education and health against the background of drought being experience in various parts of the country. "The Government has also committed substantial resources for the implementation of the Constitution.  As you will appreciate, the process requires a massive injection of both financial and human resources" said the President. President Kibaki further observed that several legislations had been passed while important institutions had so far been established. "Important legislation that has been passed includes the Commission on implementation Act, the Judicial Services Act, the Commission on Revenue Allocation Act, the Supreme Court Bill and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Bill," said the Head of State. Noting that the country needed to build consensus on important issues that affect implementation, the President said the conference had provided an opportunity for greater involvement of more stakeholders in this important national effort. Said the President, "At the end of this conference, we should have formulated forward looking strategies to enhance the process of implementation." Speaking during the occasion, Prime Minister Raila Odinga expressed optimism that the Constitution will be implemented within the set time line. He thanked the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs for organizing the conference to take stock of the progress of the process of implementing the Constitution. "Stock taking is an important aspect of any business, including the complex business of governing. We should regularly take stock of our activities," the Prime Minister said. Mr Odinga also encouraged Kenyans to change attitude and embrace the new opportunities offered by the Constitution. Said the Prime Minister: "Our attitudes must change in line with the changing times brought by the new Constitution. We have to accept citizen participation in decision making and key public appointments." The Prime Minister further urged Kenyans to shun old tribal, political, corruption and impunity cocoons and embrace the new era in Kenya. Other speakers included Justice, National Cohesion and Constitution Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo, Attorney-General Amos Wako, Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution Chairman Charles Nyachae, UNDP Resident Representative  Aeneas Chuma and Permanent Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed. Follow us on TWITTER @CapitalFM_Kenya

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