Kibaki assures support for law implementation team
TOM MARUKO | NATION. Commission for Implementation of the Constitution commissioner Dr Elizabeth Muli takes an oath at the High Court of Kenya, during the swearing in ceremony, January 4, 2011. The Commission received Sh389 million on Friday to begin its work, as President Kibaki and PM Raila pledged full support for Government agencies towards implementation of the law
The team charged with overseeing the implementation of Kenya's new constitution received Sh389 million on Friday to begin its work
President Mwai Kibaki assured his support to the Commission for the Implementation of the new Constitution in the discharge of its mandate, adding that Cabinet has already approved the money and allocated offices.
The President said that the Government would also provide any other support that the Commission will require to complete its work.
He was speaking at his Harambee House office when he met and held consultative talks with members of the Commission who paid him a courtesy call.
During the discussions also attended by the Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, the President urged public and private organs involved in implementation of the new constitution to cooperate fully with the Commission to ensure smooth and timely conclusion of the exercise.
President Kibaki emphasized that the support of stakeholders was crucial to full implementation of the constitution.
The Head of State welcomed the decision of the commission to elect Mrs Elizabeth Muli as its vice chairperson, saying that the move ensured gender parity in line with the new constitution.
The Prime Minister and the Vice President echoed the President's sentiments and called upon all stakeholders to provide the necessary support to the commission to conclude its works within the stipulated time.
The Commission, chaired by Nairobi lawyer Charles Nyachae, was sworn in this week and is mandated by law to oversee the development of legislation and administrative procedures necessary in implementation of the new constitution.
The law, which empowers the commission to summon documents and presentations from the public on matters concerning implementation, also requires public officers to cooperate by providing the commission with the required information for smooth implementation of the Constitution.
The Commission will also provide regular reports on the progress and any impediments in implementation to the Constitutional Implementation oversight Commission and also work with the relevant commissions to ensure the letter and spirit of the Constitution is respected.
The Commission will serve for a five year term with possible extension through a resolution of Parliament, has an obligation to submit an annual report to the President and prepare interim reports as and when required by the President, the National Assembly of the Senate.
In attendance were Constitution Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo, Head of Public Service and Secretary to cabinet Amb. Francis Muthaura and Permanent Secretaries Amina Abdalla and Francis Kimemia among other senior government officials.
