Wako: Govt will meet new law deadline

The government is optimistic it will meet the August deadline to enact crucial legislation to fully operationalise the Constitution.

Attorney General Amos Wako has consequently asked Ministries to submit raw draft copies to the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) of all pending Bills by mid July to meet the set timelines.

The Constitution requires a minimum of 16 legislations to have been enacted within the first year of the promulgation of the Constitution, which was on August 27, 2010.

“I therefore take this opportunity to appeal to all institutions involved, and in particular the Line Ministries to ensure that we have, at least the raw draft Bills by mid July 2011 to ensure enactment within the stipulated period,” said Mr Wako Tuesday during the official opening of a constitutional conference at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi.

Four pieces of legislation have already been enacted with four other Bills awaiting assent by President Kibaki.

They include the Salaries and Remuneration Bill, the Supreme Court Bill, the Independent Offices Bill and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Bill.

The AG spoke as President Kibaki called for consensus on the issues that have been identified as having threatening the implementation of the new laws.

On Monday, Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo identified them as competing coalition politics, next year’s general elections and vested interest by officials in positions targeted for change.

“At the end of this conference, we should have formulated forward looking strategies to enhance the implementation process,” said the President.

"We also want to build consensus on important issues that affect implementation and the progress so far."

He said the Constitution will create an enabling framework necessary for reforms and address the governance challenges that hinder the country’s progress.

"Kenyans want to see the new constitution work, this is why they overwhelmingly voted for its enactment,” said President Kibaki.   

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said despite the challenges, the Executive will continue pushing for the full implementation of the Constitution.

“Let us embrace the attitude that the most difficult days when it comes to constitutional matters are behind us,” he said.

“Let us get out of our old tribal, political, corruption and impunity cocoons. The new constitution is now the law of the land. It must be partyless, tribeless and national."

Mr Charles Nyachae, the CIC chairman, said the Constitution was now in full force and that every Kenyan should ensure fidelity to it.

He, however, expressed disappointment over partisan political interests that was threatening to derail the process.

"There are some leaders that are living in denial...they are having the wrong mindset and will resist change in all ways,” he said.

"We are telling them to accept that old is gone and new has come...they must put their selfish interests aside,” he added.

He said Kenyans will only have themselves to blame should the implementation process fail saying: “Posterity will judge us harshly should this happen.”

Mr Nyachae further asked the two principals to reject any public appointments that fails to uphold the principle of gender equity.

Mr Aeneus Chuma, the United Nations Resident Coordinator lauded the government for the reforms it had achieved so far but was quick to point out that a lot still needs to be done. 

"Kenya has made a remarkable progress in bringing about reforms despite numerous challenges. A lot more still needs to be done,” he said.