U.S. Assistant State Secretary Crowley calls on Kenyan leaders to involve civil society in constitution

U.S. Assistant State Secretary Crowley calls on Kenyan leaders to involve civil society in constitution

2011-02-21 07:35:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary Philip Crowley on Sunday said implementation of the constitution in Kenya was "crucial" for stable democracy.

Crowley stated that the country's progress could only be achieved if the President and Prime Minister work together in a collaborative way to implement the constitution, particularly to ensure that appointments are made in a transparent and credible manner.

Kenya's Speaker of Parliament Kenneth Marende on February 17 ruled that President Mwai Kibaki's nominations to key judicial and budget positions were not consistent with the provisions of the new constitution, highlighting the importance of moving forward on reform transparently and cooperatively.

Crowley noted that the adoption of Kenya's new constitution in August 2010 was a "major milestone in implementing sweeping democratic reforms set out in the National Accord," which is written into the constitution's transitional provisions and calls for the two principals to consult with a view to achieving compromise on key issues.

However, Crowley also encouraged coalition leaders "to involve civil society in the constitutional implementation process in order to achieve national consensus."

"Full implementation of the letter and spirit of the constitution is crucial to realize the promise of a democratically stable and prosperous future for all Kenyans."

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