Experts expected for talks on law review

• Three-day conference will give Kenyans a chance to share views and experiences on constitutional and other legal issues.
• One hundred delegates are expected at the talks.
• Karua asks lawyers to handle all issues arising in the judicial system in a more professional manner rather than through demonstrations.

International experts are expected in Nairobi next Tuesday to help in Kenya’s constitutional review.

Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua said the experts will examine aspects of constitutionalism and democracy and discuss legal challenges that face various African countries during the writing of constitutions.

She said her ministry had organised the three-day conference, which will give Kenyans a chance to share views and experiences on constitutional and other legal issues to help the country write a new set of laws within one year as agreed by the grand coalition leaders.

She made the remarks while briefing journalists in Nairobi on Friday.

One hundred delegates are expected to take part in the talks.

On the recent protests by lawyers in Nairobi and Nakuru, the minister admitted there were problems in the judiciary that needed to be resolved.

According to her, these challenges could be tackled through a new constitutional order.

She said the Constitution gives independence to various institutions but fails to provide for checks and balances.

Judicial system

She however asked lawyers to handle all issues arising in the judicial system in a more professional manner rather than through demonstrations.

Ms Karua said her office was yet to receive any complaints from lawyers who are calling on the resignation of Chief Justice Evan Gicheru.

“We need broad based discussions on all these matters. Our current constitution emphasises on independence and not responsibility of our systems,” she said.