Kibaki: Kenya's new values for leaders

President Kibaki has said the new Constitution demands competent and visionary leadership for Kenya.

The President said the new Constitution had set a new leadership threshold, and that those who hope to rise to such positions must be looked at on the basis of merit, competence, vision and integrity.

He urged Kenyans to elect leaders who pass the integrity test, who will be charged with transforming the country to a middle level economy as outlined in the economic blueprint, the Vision 2030.

"The requirements of the leadership code and the entrenchment of national values contained in the new Constitution will transform leadership and governance in our country. 

"Indeed, a country that elects and appoints its leaders on the basis of merit, competence, vision and integrity can only become greater," President Kibaki said in his opening remarks to the Ministerial Retreat on the Implementation of the Constitution at the Leisure Lodge Resort in Ukunda Friday.

"Indeed, they (Kenyans) expect us to carry out our responsibilities with a renewed commitment to making Kenya a prosperous, equitable, democratic and developed country by the year TWENTY THIRTY."

He told the ministers that Kenyans were looking up to them to better their lives and lead the fight against corruption.

"I would like to remind all of us that our nation expects us to provide visionary leadership at all times.  Our people expect us to set the pace in the fight against absolute poverty and are looking upon us for better shelter. 

"It is up to us to ensure food security as well as the employment of the sons and daughters of our country. Kenyans are also expecting and urging us to fight against insecurity and corruption," he said.

Governance

President Kibaki said the new Constitution had re-energised institutions of governance, especially Parliament which is now playing a critical oversight role of ensuring tax payer's money is properly utilised.

He urged National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende and MPs to put in place procedures and structures of executive accountability to keep government on its toes.

"Since we promulgated the new Constitution, we have seen our institutions begin to change fundamentally. For instance, Parliament is re-energised in its mandate to provide oversight on public finances and the conduct of public affairs. 

"We see this as a positive development with great benefits for our society, particularly in the war against corruption," said the President.

"Let us all re-dedicate ourselves to fighting this vice that must have no place in the new Kenya that we seek to develop."

He said the 47 counties will open up the country to both local and international investment and create new opportunities to tap wealth for Kenyans at the grassroots. The President said the devolved system will ensure equity in the distribution of resources saying the government will put in place "conducive macroeconomic and legal environment for investment and trade in order to tap the unfolding opportunities".

He told the meeting to focus fully on the legislative agenda that will deliberate on how to achieve the goal of implementing the new Constitution. 

"Moreover, we will be able to develop time lines to ensure that the Executive is able to present the required Bills to Parliament for discussion and passage."

Overhaul

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Raila Odinga  said the implementation of the new Constitution requires the overhaul of institutions singling the judiciary as in need of immediate reform.

"We have to reform the judiciary, the AG’s office and the entire law enforcement machinery. We must change the culture of these institutions immediately.”

The PM said the retreat was not meant to suppress the voice Parliament saying it ought to assert its oversight role but should allow government to operate independently.

"Oversight does not mean policing,” he said.

The Premier said the government would prioritise infrastructure development.

“The construction of roads, provision of water and the electrification of these areas must be given priority under the new constitution,” he said.

On the role of women in society, Mr Odinga said the constitution enshrines the one-thirds principle of inclusivity, adding no longer should the public arena be the exclusive preserve of the male gender.

He acknowledged that many pieces of legislation needed to be passed to bring some of these matters into force but added that there were many areas that did not need to wait for the passage of the law.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende also spoke.

While thanking the President for acknowledging the role of MPs in the fight against corruption, Naivasha MP John Mututho said legislators would continue to expose the vice.

"Tell the Executive we won't tire," he told the Nation on the phone.

"An MP has three roles- representing the people, making laws and oversight.

"Oversight involves asking questions through committee work, which has been missing in prior parliaments because the Executive had muzzled the House," said Mr Mututho, who is the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

"Tell Kenyans to wait for shock as we reveal more rot in government," he said.