Kenyans cagey as 2012 poll approaches

BY WAMBUI NDONG'A

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null 1/1 A photo taken at the height of the 2008 poll chaos/FILE NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 6 - A survey conducted by the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation team indicates that 50 percent of Kenyans are optimistic that there will be no violence in next year's elections. The study, conducted between the last quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, however also shows that Kenyans are concerned that some of the fault lines surrounding the 2007 violence have not been bridged. According to the study, which was based on 2,500 respondents drawn from around the country, adequate political, judicial and police reforms ought to be put in place to avert a repeat of the deadly violence.  Kenyans particularly want those behind the post poll chaos, who are not targeted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), prosecuted. "Given past experience with violence during election years, failure to take concrete steps to break the cycle of impunity is increasing public anxiety as the 2012 elections approach," reads the report in part. In addition, 51 percent of the respondents were happy with the ICC process while 38 percent were not. A majority of those who supported the ICC probe were under 24 years while most of those who disapproved of it were over 45. "Many Kenyans still believe that the prosecution of those behind the 2007 post election violence will prevent a recurrence of the chaos. They are disillusioned by the lack of progress in arresting lower and middle level perpetrators," it noted. The report also observed that although the government had put in place several measures to resettle Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Kenyans felt that it could have done a better job. Kenyans proposed that the IDPs should have been profiled in a better manner to avoid some of the logistical issues that came up during the resettlement exercise. The government has so far facilitated the safe return of 384 households from Uganda with each household receiving Sh37,000 for logistical support. However 256 families are still in Uganda and are expected to return to Kenya later this year. Through the ministry of Special Programmes, the government had also, by the end of May, disbursed Sh2.26 billion for the resettlement of IDPs. "District Commissioners are required to account for the money. They file returns for monies they have received and disbursed," the report highlighted. "The Ministry of Special Programmes also supports the restoration of farm infrastructure and the rural livelihoods project, through which IDPs receive seeds, fertilises and farm inputs," the report noted. The survey also indicated that Kenyans wanted the relevant government institutions to speed up the implementation of key legislation that ought to be in place by the August 27 deadline. Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim had last month stated that there were 20 more Bills that needed to be passed by the August deadline. The National Assembly has passed eight Bills since the promulgation of the Constitution. The report further noted that there had been some positive progress in the implementation of the Constitution. Kenyans lauded the steps taken in addressing judicial reforms as well as the increase in public participation. It also showed that the country's economic, social and political landscapes in the country improved after the signing of the National Accord. However 68 percent of the respondents noted that the current high cost of living was a major challenge for the country. "Many people feel life is getting worse compared to one year ago. The difficult socioeconomic situation requires to be addressed urgently because its negative social consequences could derail reforms," indicated the report. Follow the author at https://twitter.com/wambuindonga

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