US gives a thumbs up to the constitution review in Kenya

The United States has lent veiled support for a new constitution which will be subjected to a referendum on August 4.


Although Vice President Joe Biden did not expressly declare his support for either the Yes or No sides, he said enactment of a new constitution will open doors to greater US aid and investment.
He, however, warned that Kenya must first strengthen democracy and adhere to the rule of law.

Biden, the first high profile US official to visit independent Kenya, also expressed his delight by the working relationship between President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

And even as he gave the country a thumbs up for the progress made in implementing the reform agenda, the VP urged Kenyans to remain focussed in the review process, which began after the signing of the National Accord.

“I have never been this optimistic of the country’s ability to move the reform process forward...Kenya’s best days are yet to come,” said Mr Biden at a news conference, immediately after a meeting with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga at State House, Nairobi.

“Putting in place a new constitution, strengthening democracy and the rule of law will further open up doors for more American programs which will bring about more investments.

We also want to see a peaceful referendum that will further unite Kenyans,” he said.

Biden’s message appeared to reinforce that of US President Barrack Obama’s sentiments over the weekend when he spoke strongly of his wish to see a more prosperous Kenya.

Obama had used an interview with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation to urge Kenyans to seize “the moment” offered through the referendum, on a new constitution, to put the post-election violence behind it.

But he clarified that the US was not pushing for the Yes vote at the referendum, saying the decision to vote Yes or No at the referendum was up to Kenyans themselves, the president said.
Also present at yesterday’s State House meeting was Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Cabinet ministers Musalia Mudavadi, Uhuru Kenyatta, Mutula Kilonzo, Dr Sally Kosgei, Prof George Saitoti and Moses Wetangula.

The American VP, who arrived into the country on Monday evening with his wife Jill Biden, is also scheduled to visit South Africa to attend the opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup on Friday.

Biden’s comments on investments were in response to President Kibaki’s request to the US administration to encourage more American businessmen to invest more in the country mainly in the transport, housing, energy and water sectors.

Said the President; “We wish to encourage American investors to take advantage of the single East African Common market that will become a reality next month.”

“The single market will allow free movement of people, good, services and capital throughout the five member countries that comprise Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi,” he added.

However Biden in response said; “Americans want to do business here, they want to travel here, and with the right climate, they will come.”
flashad