Africa
Kenyans should stay on reform path
US Ambassador to Kenya Michael Rannebeger. Photo/FILE
When I first spoke to the American Chamber of Commerce in Kenya just over two years ago, I discussed the profound partnership between the United States and Kenya.
That partnership – and friendship – has deepened over the past two years, and this was no where more evident than during the watershed crisis Kenya experienced earlier this year.
The current agenda for fundamental reform – both political and economic – poses a historic opportunity and challenge for the people and government of Kenya.
Kenyans today are within grasp of a much brighter democratic future, one which will improve the well-being of all the people of this country.
You may think this a problematic statement to make, given the watershed crisis that Kenya experienced early this year.
But let us pause to reflect upon what happened then and where matters stand today. As a great friend and partner of Kenya, the US worked with the Kenyan people to play a decisive role in resolving the crisis.
The US was only able to play this role because the Kenyan civil society, religious groups, the private sector, the media, and ordinary citizens mobilised themselves.
As a result, an unprecedented coalition government was established on the basis of an agreement to pursue fundamental reforms necessary to ensure the country never again suffers such a fate.
Arguably, the process of implementing the reform agenda has been slow, but we must put this criticism into perspective.
The President and Prime Minister are managing a very complex political situation, and the reform agenda raises a host of sensitive issues that must be carefully navigated.
Some progress
We are, in fact, seeing progress. Critical legislation, including on the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission, Ethnic Relations, and Constitutional Review Bills, have been passed by Parliament.
The President and Prime Minister are moving towards formation of the Special Tribunal called for in the Waki Commission report.
In order to ensure the reform agenda is implemented in a transparent and effective manner, the coalition government and the Parliament should reach out to the Kenyan people through civil society to take into account their observations.
Doing so will help ensure there are no loopholes or hidden agendas in the relevant legislation, particularly with respect to the Special Tribunal and establishment of an independent electoral body.
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Sir, good job but two questions. First, Kenyans (on their own)voted for Reforms in 2002,(were then disappointed) but did so again in 2007 (disappointed again!). Here is a possible hypothesis: That in 2007, the presidential vote was in fact manipulated by external forces who considered one of the potential 'Presidents' as 'an unpredictable strategic partner'? Two, Is there any country out there that has ever 'become developed' by listening to American foreign policy?
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Rannebeger, I appreciate all your perspective and voice of concern. You lay out fundamental aspects that when well implemented will lead us to the path of reforms. However, I am sorry to point out that you have been a little partisan sometimes and seem to support Raila and ignore Kibaki on a lot of issues. I think if we really mean that we want reforms, then a bipartisan spirit should guide us. Especially since you represent the US government's interests in Kenya. Otherwise, thanks again for your input on this.
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