Kibaki: Govt will deliver new Constitution

• Government remains committed to giving Kenyans a new Constitution.

• It would be the best gift to Kenyans from his Administration.

President Kibaki has said his Government remains committed to giving Kenyans a new Constitution.

He said that a new constitutional dispensation will see Kenyans continue to enjoy freedom of expression and a flourishing democracy that has developed during his presidency. It would be the best gift to Kenyans from his administration.

“Looking back over the past six years, I dare say that I have witnessed momentous change in Kenya. The people have been changing the Kenyan landscape in fundamental ways.

“And this change must be captured in the country’s basic law. I want to seize this opportunity to once again assure my fellow Kenyans that I am fully committed to a new constitution.”

He said that since being elected President, he had seized the opportunity to entrench his vision and a commendable level of openness has begun to take shape in the country.

“I have envisioned a free country where democracy thrives at all levels. In all my political life I have endeavoured to create space for the full expression of our people’s creativity, passion and vitality.”

President Kibaki was speaking at Nairobi's Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) while presiding over the official opening of the Regional Conference on Constitutional Democracy in Africa in the 21st Century.

He also called for a quick conclusion to the law review exercise.

“I therefore view the conclusion of our country’s constitution-making as a pivotal collective objective that will entrench the freedom and openness that has begun to define our homeland,” said President Kibaki.

He expressed optimism that the unity of purpose that has brought all political leaders to work together for the benefit of citizens would ensure the exercise is concluded soon.

“The road to a new constitutional dispensation has been long and sometimes bumpy. In the National Constitutional Review Conference at Bomas of Kenya, Kenyans gave their views regarding the content of a new Constitution… Unfortunately, political differences derailed the consensus building process and the proposed constitution did not get full acceptance of the Kenyan people.”

The Head of State said the enactment of two proposed pieces of legislations currently before the National Assembly, that is the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2008 and the Constitution of Kenya Review Bill, 2008, would establish the necessary organs to help completion of the constitution review.

The President told the participants that his leadership had guaranteed substantial media freedom and had created conducive environment for a vibrant and dynamic civil society, which have further agitated for more accountability in handling of public affairs.

“A framework of human rights, integrity, accountability and diligent performance of public duties is in place. We are in the process of legislating on the issues of inter-ethnic and race relations as well as truth, justice and reconciliation.”

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said he and President Kibaki were determined to fulfil the pledges they made to Kenyans when they signed the National Accord, to deliver a new Constitution.