Constitution heralds new dawn for Kenya- Kibaki

Kenya will never be the same again: It will be governed by the rule of law.

This was President Kibaki’s message to the country as Kenyans celebrate the first anniversary since the promulgation of the Constitution.

“We must become a country ruled by law,” said President Kibaki in a radio and television address to the Nation Friday.

Thanking Kenyans for passing the Supreme law he said: "I am proud to be your President during this momentous period of our growth as a country.”

“I challenge Kenyans that we henceforth follow the Constitution we have made for ourselves regardless of our station in life.”

President Kibaki said the Constitution had indeed ushered in unprecedented change in the country within a short span of time.

“It has given Kenya a facelift...I sense change all around in Kenya. We are living in exciting times.  Those who come after us will envy us,” he said. 

The constitution was promulgated on August 27 last year, ushering in a new dawn in the country.  

And he paid tribute to all Kenyans who had played a significant role in bringing forth the document.

“I salute you all,” he declared.

President Kibaki said it was through their genius and resilience that the country was able to adopt the Supreme law in peace time.

He said that for him, the ‘new covenant’ was a guarantee that Kenyans shall henceforth resolve any potential conflict through the rule of law. 

He said even though they may not have kept one or two deadlines in terms of appointment of officials due to unforeseen circumstances, this was now in the past.

President Kibaki said they would now strictly observe the schedule in the constitutional implementation process.

“Time is still of the essence.  There are other important Bills expected to be passed by the Constitution for which no deadline exists.  We must also work on these.”

He said that once in a while, there were likely to be differences in opinion during the implementation process.

“These must be resolved amicably.  Together we must focus on what is best for Kenya,” he said.

“Harmony is absolutely an imperative as we entrench our new constitution through legislative and other measures.” 

There are Bills that must be developed and passed within the time frame of one and a half years, two years, three years, four years and five years after the promulgation of the Constitution. 

The head of State said new institutions had been established, which will go a long way in deepening the country’s democracy. 

For instance, President Kibaki said a new Judicial Service Commission was set up which has briskly embarked on renewing Kenya’s judiciary. 

He said that as the judiciary is renewed through the vetting process, the rules of natural justice should be strictly adhered to. 

Kenya, he added, needs a corrupt free and professional judiciary as well as a judiciary that is confident in the discharge of its duties.

Other institutions that have been established include the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, and the Commission for Revenue Authority. 

The Interim Independent Boundaries Commission has been retired and the process of recruiting members of the Independent Electoral ad Boundaries Commission is underway. 

The Vetting of Judges and Magistrates Board has been nominated and is awaiting final approval by the National Assembly amongst others. 

President Kibaki also congratulated Parliament for the huge role it played in passing 25 pieces of legislation which directly impact on the implementation process.

“Parliament has done Kenyans proud.  The fact that more than 25 Bills can be passed within a year is evidence of the great potential of our National Assembly.  It has risen to the occasion when duty called,” he said.

He said the new Constitution had presented Kenya with an opportunity to review all its laws, a feat that has not been done by many countries.

He also paid tribute to the many institutions that have collaborated to achieve the passage of the laws needed to implement the constitution.

“As Kenyans we owe a great debt to these institutions.  Their exemplary work has passed the message that no stone should be left unturned in our endeavour to implement our constitution,” he said.