Raila points out threats to constitutional implementation

Written By:PMPS,    Posted: Wed, Aug 24, 2011

PM Raila named corruption and impunity, devolution, the election process and ethnicity as implementation challenges that face Kenya today The Prime Minister Raila Odinga has highlighted four key areas that must be tackled to facilitate smooth implementation of the constitution. He named corruption and impunity, devolution, the election process and ethnicity as implementation challenges that face Kenya today. Raila was categorical that the country must get it right from the start. ‘'These are the four tests that confront Kenya. If we pass these tests, we shall fulfill our hope for a better future," he said, adding that failure is not an option. The Premier said this while addressing students of Strathmore University in an address to mark one year since the promulgation of the new constitution. He said the country cannot allow the hopes and dreams embodied in the new Constitution to be crushed by inertia, or sabotaged by partisan disputes. The Prime Minister explained that there was heightened sense of urgency to enact key enabling legislations needed to fully operationalise the supreme law. He exonerated parliament from blame-noting that although it's a year since the new constitution was promulgatedm, drafting of bills by concerned ministries took time as public participation was required. Mr. Odinga noted that the law must guarantee free, fair and democratic elections devoid of all malpractices for a free and just society. He however called upon Kenyans to pledge that no matter what happens in future elections, there will be no violence, intimidation or retribution. On devolution, he said, there is need to ensure that counties are properly funded and effective administrative structures are put in place. ‘'By devolving power and resources to the 47 new counties, we shall be investing in local solutions for local problems, and facilitating local ownership of improvements to infrastructure, such as roads, irrigation, schools and hospitals''. The premier told the meeting that the current disagreement between two ministries regarding the sharing of resources between national and county levels of government symbolizes the tension between the old order and the new. But he advised that it is the people living in the various regions who should decide how to invest in their region, a share of the national cake adding that this requirement is enshrined the new constitution. He regretted that Kenya has a disgraceful distinction of ranking way down at number 154 of 178 countries on the global corruption perception index. Fortunately, he said, the new law provides much stronger tools for combating corruption and impunity. ‘' no one will be above the law including those running the new Counties, whose administrations will be no less accountable than the central government''. Mr. Odinga asked the youth to fly the flag of ethnic tolerance and national unity among friends and acquaintances, and take the leads in ensuring that the political leaders are taken to account. He said that tribalism has for long held down Kenyans and urged them to rise to the challenge of going above tribal stereotypes and fears. ‘'The new constitution outlaws ethnic discrimination and enshrines diversity'', he said.