Kenya to promote rule of law in Africa, says Kibaki

He expressed hope that the international community would work closely with Kenya in this regard especially in countries that have suffered a breakdown of law and order.

President Kibaki was speaking at the United Nations High Level Plenary session on the Rule of Law at National and International Level of the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA.

Noting that Kenya supports an international order grounded on the rule of law as envisaged in the Charter of the United Nations, President Kibaki said the rule of law is not only the foundation stone for democratic governance, but is also vital in confronting global challenges and promoting sustainable development.

“Since independence, Kenya has progressively promoted the rule of law and respect for democratic constitutionality. Our democratic enterprise over the last 49 years has been to strengthen the rule of law, promote human rights and advance our economic and social development”, he said.

He said the rule of law has not only helped to further secure democracy but also allowed Kenya to promote entrepreneurship, free trade and the fight against poverty.

In particular, Kibaki stressed that in the past two years, his government has worked strenuously to implement the new Constitution that Kenyans adopted in the year 2010 adding that far reaching legal,
institutional and administrative reforms have been implemented to strengthen the rule of law in Kenya.

“Furthermore, these reforms have spurred increased activity across all sectors of the economy. This has increased investment and encouraged greater involvement of the Kenyan people in the development and governance of our country”, he said.