By John Harry Ndeta, Ajabu Africa News, Nairobi Kenya, posted June 9
Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki has thanked the Government of the United
States of America for the support extended to Kenya to facilitate
pertinent reforms which will in turn accelerate economic development
in the country. President Kibaki appreciated the keen interest that
President Barack Obama’s Administration had shown in Kenya and thanked
him for his support, goodwill and cooperation.
The President made the remarks during a media briefing session in
Nairobi after holding discussions with the visiting US Vice-President
Joe Biden, who pledged his country’s support for Kenya’s reform
process.
“We express our appreciation for US support in many areas of
socio-economic development, especially in health, agriculture, and
security but requested that assistance be extended to other sectors,
including transport, housing, energy, and water,” says part of a
statement sent to the media.
On the ongoing constitutional debate, President Kibaki said the Grand
Coalition Government was confident of delivering a new constitution
during the forthcoming referendum scheduled to be held in August 4th
this year.
The new constitution is widely perceived as the gateway to realization
of key institutional and social reforms Kenya greatly needs and the
Kenyan Government put together after the events of 2007 post-election
violence is keen to institute a new order.
The President observed that the Coalition Government was keen on
attracting American investors to take advantage of the enlarged East
African Common Market poised to become in force next month.
The Head of State said the trading bloc will allow free movement of
people, goods, services, and capital throughout the five member
countries that comprise Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.”
Speaking during the occasion, the US Vice-President Joe Biden
reaffirmed the US Government’s commitment to working closely with
Kenya to deepen democracy and strengthen the rule of law in Kenya.
“We reaffirmed our commitment to advancing the projects for peaceful
and prosperous future for Kenya,” said Biden.
Biden said he was personally impressed by President Kibaki’s and Prime
Minister Raila Odinga’s mutual co-operation and commitment to the
reform agenda.
The Visiting US Vice-President also underscored the importance of the
constitutional review process, saying the US shared the wish of the
people of Kenya for a peaceful referendum that will deliver a new
constitution that will unite Kenyans and accelerate the country’s
reform agenda.
Echoing US President Barack Obama’s sentiment, Biden said the upcoming
constitutional referendum is the singular opportunity to put Kenyan
governance on a more solid footing that can place the country on the
path of economic prosperity.
Biden said Kenya will further open the door to major American
development programs such as the millennium challenge and bring about
more investments by American corporations and international
organizations if a new constitution is put in place and democratic
institutions are strengthened.
