Kibaki calls for speedy new law implementation

President Kibaki has asked the Commission on the Implementation of the new Constitution and line ministries to expedite the processing of Bills that will bolster the speedy implementation of the new Constitution.

The President said the CIC, working with the Attorney-General, the Kenya Law Reform Commission and line ministries, should step up the preparation for tabling in Parliament the legislation  required to implement the Constitution to beat the set deadline.

"We have little time to process and formulate bills that will fast-track the implementation of the new Constitution. We must, therefore, work tirelessly to ensure we do not fall behind schedule,” President Kibaki said at his Harambee House Office where he received the first quarterly report from the CIC Wednesday.

The report was presented to the President by CIC Chairman Charles Nyachae, who was accompanied by his Vice-Chairperson Dr. Elizabeth Muli and other commissioners.

President Kibaki assured the commissioners of his personal support in their duties, saying they were free to consult him on any issue relating to the implementation of the Constitution.

Briefing the President on the progress the Commission has made so far, Mr Nyachae said his team has recorded a number of achievements in the three months they have been in office.

He cited the enactment of the Judicial Service Act and the Vetting of Judges and Magistrate Act among other Acts as some of the commission’s achievements.

In ensuring the smooth implementation of the Constitution, the commission commended the President and the Prime Minister for remaining steadfast in providing leadership and championing the protection of the implementation process.

Appealing to the political leadership to adopt a bipartisan approach on matters relating to the implementation of the Constitution, the commission requested Parliament to facilitate faster processing of priority laws during the current session to ensure the setting up of institutions and systems required for the implementation of the Constitution.

The Commission also recommended that all the three arms of the Government should prepare their implementation plans and consult with relevant agencies to fast-track the full implementation of the Constitution.

Present were Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs minister Mutula Kilonzo, his Nairobi Metropolitan counterpart Njeru Githae, AG Amos Wako and the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura, among others.