PUSHING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC AND

UNCLAS NAIROBI 000544 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KDEM PGOV PREL ECON KE SUBJECT: PUSHING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL REFORMS IN KENYA UNCLASSIFIED -- ENTIRE TEXT. ¶1. The U.S. has a strong interest in seeing the coalition government move ahead with both economic and political reforms. They are inextricably linked, especially in view of the global economic crisis. As our reporting has indicated, we are pursuing a concerted strategy to achieve this, including by energizing civil society, the private sector, religious groups, and the media. Public diplomacy is an important part of these efforts. ¶2. As part of efforts to energize the private sector, the Ambassador addressed the influential Nakuru Business Council in February. The remarks were well-covered by the media. ¶3. Begin text of remarks: I am delighted to speak with you today in light of the pivotal role that the private sector must play in promoting prosperity and driving the agenda for fundamental reform and change. I commend you for helping foster reconciliation during last year,s violence and your ongoing commitment to Kenya,s development, both economically and politically. Bringing About Fundamental Change The crisis that Kenya suffered last year was a watershed that brought into sharp relief the underlying problems that have plagued the country for nearly 50 years: ethnic politics, inequitable distribution of wealth, and the culture of impunity that has enabled violence and corruption to proliferate. As a friend and partner of Kenya, we were glad, along with others, to stay at the side of the Kenyan people at that hour of great need. But, as I have said before, it is the Kenyan people themselves who played the most important role in ending the crisis. Demonstrating a true democratic spirit that reflected high expectations, the Kenyan people mobilized as never before. Ordinary Kenyans, civil society, religious groups, the private sector, and the media all played important roles. The dynamic and vigorous way in which Kenyans came together galvanized pressure for the creation of a coalition government. During my travels throughout this country since then, I have seen how this vibrant democratic spirit is very much alive. The Kenyan people realize that the fundamental problems unmasked by the crisis must be addressed through fundamental change. The vehicle for producing that change is the reform agenda agreed to by the coalition government. Kenyans are �A;speaking up and are insisting on fundamental reform. That reform agenda is far-reaching, embracing constitutional revision, establishment of an independent electoral commission, and creation of a Special Tribunal to investigate and, if warranted by the evidence, prosecute those suspected of involvement in post-electoral violence. The reform agenda also embraces land reform, police reform, and the fight against corruption, among other areas. Although this is a very ambitious agenda, many Kenyans have told me that it can be carried out if leaders demonstrate the political will to do so, and if the Kenyan people insist on action. There can be no return to the ways of the past, and the culture of impunity must not be allowed to persist. Half measures and window dressing -- whether with respect to institutional reforms or to fighting the scourge of corruption ) will not be credible to the Kenyan people or to the international community. We stand with the Kenyan people who are insisting that the corruption cases which have come to light be fully investigated and perpetrators prosecuted. It is not a question of rounding up the usual suspects and rearranging positions, and then doing business as usual. The tragic crisis of last year has opened up an unparalleled opportunity to bring about fundamental change -- and I believe that nothing less than fundamental change will satisfy the Kenyan people. If carried out, that change will lay the basis for stronger democratic institutions and a better future for all Kenyans. There is in fact no alternative to the reform agenda, for without it Kenya faces the specter of even greater trouble in the future, and none of us want to see that. While Kenyans are impatient for change, I would argue against those that might become cynical and those naysayers who see the glass as half empty. Let there be criticism, but let it be realistic and constructive. The ethnic attitudes and the culture of impunity that have prevailed in Kenya cannot be altered overnight. However, implementation of the reform agenda will launch a process of fundamental change and give Kenyans confidence in the future of their great country. Although we all want to see more expeditious implementation, progress is being made on the reform agenda. A coalition of ordinary Kenyans, civil society, religious groups, the private sector, and the media exerted the pressure which helped resolved the crisis last year. It is essential for Kenyans to reconstitute that loose coalition to press for rapid full implementation of the reform agenda, and to maintain momentum for fundamental change. You, the private sector, have a key role to play. I urge you to act, in concert with others, to help drive this nation toward peaceful, fundamental change. Seize this historic opportunity. Implications of the Global Economic Crisis While acknowledging the limited progress that has been made, we must recognize the enormous challenges ahead and the very difficult context in which reforms must be carried out. The global economic crisis presents a huge challenge for Kenya. As World Bank President Robert Zoellick said, "the financial shock waves in the United States and Europe will reverberate in the global economy. The stark reality is that developing countries must anticipate and prepare for a drop in trade, remittances, and domestic investment." We are seeing this impact in Kenya, which was already suffering from the negative economic effects of the post-election violence. Growth is off, tourism is down, horticulture is taking a hit, remittances are down, and Kenyan capital markets have slowed to a crawl. I attended a conference of donors on February 9 in Nairobi, and the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance all made clear that Kenya,s growth prospects -- as the private sector knows better than anyone -- have been damaged by the dual shocks of the violence and global downturn. The lack of rainfall and poor agricultural policies have exacerbated matters. Given Kenya,s 2.9% population rate, it,s possible that per capita income will actually decline in 2009. Today,s tough economic environment makes Kenya,s quest to be competitive worldwide even more urgent. A flight to developed markets has been a hallmark of this global crisis, with countries chasing fewer trade opportunities and a smaller pool of investment funds. Competition, both globally and within this region, for markets and investment are tougher than ever. Kenya must sell itself as never before as THE location in Africa to come and do business. A focused Kenyan approach can catapult Kenya forward as a model of economic and political recovery in a way that will attract investors and tourists. Given the country,s huge economic and political challenges, now ) more than ever ) Kenya needs reform that will bring about sustained peace and prosperity. Economic Progress and Political Reforms Are Linked As we consider the impact of the global economic crisis on Kenya and the challenging reform agenda that Kenyans must implement, it is essential to keep in mind that economic progress and the political reform proces are inextricably linked. Implementing fully the reform agenda is key to achieving equitable economic growth. - Foreign direct investment, especially from the U.S., will not grow substantially unless investors are confident that Kenya has a stable democratic system. - Decisive actions to end the culture of impunity are essential in order to boost investor confidence. - Constitutional change, including provisions for devolution of power to the local level; effective actions against corruption; and economic reforms are all vital to create the framework for equitable economic growth for all Kenyans. The political reform agenda has been much discussed and the elements are clear. Less clear, perhaps, is the agenda for economic reforms. Although a broad range of economic reforms are needed, in our view the following steps are vitally needed to stimulate investment and economic growth. - Pass the Anti-Money Laundering Bill. - Quickly and vigorously implement the Anti-Counterfeiting Law. - Streamline the foreign investment process by establishing an effective one-stop shop for investors to cut through bureaucratic red tape. - Implement the security enhancements necessary to enable Delta Airlines to land at Jomo Kenyatta Airport , and take the additional steps necessary to achieve FAA Category One Status, permitting Kenya Airways to fly direct to the U.S. at a time of their choosing. U.S. Assistance: Helping Kenya Help Itself What the United States wants for Kenya is what Kenya wants for itself: a prosperous democratic future that advances the well-being of all Kenyans. The extent of the partnership between our two countries reflects the importance we attach to Kenya. Every year over $2.5 billion in resources flow from the U.S. to Kenya from public and private sources. Lest you think this money flows into Kenya at a macro level and does not impact the grassroots, I want to assure you that we are investing right here in Nakuru. Following the election crisis, the U.S. has been supporting Nakuru,s Center for Conflict Resolution in its work with youth and women to strengthen traditional dispute mechanisms and encourage all citizens of Nakuru to live together in peace. Since the tragic Molo fire, Nakuru Hospital has admirably stepped forward to treat a substantial number of the burn victims. We do not want Nakuru's health system to face this challenge alone, and today, in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we will be donating 95 boxes of medical supplies to the hospital to assist the victims of this tragedy. This assistance follows $ 45,000 (355,000 KShs) in U.S. Government assistance to renovate an HIV / AIDS clinic at the hospital. Stepping back to look at our broader assistance programs that are of interest to this Council, I would like to highlight particularly the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Under AGOA, $255 million worth of Kenyan exports*including agricultural exports produced right here in Nakuru*entered the U.S. market duty free. The annual high-level forum to discuss AGOA is slated to take place in Nairobi in August 2009. The AGOA forum provides Kenya with an invaluable opportunity to showcase its trade and investment potential. In order to do this successfully, it is essential to have made substantial progress on implementing the economic and political reform agendas before the AGOA forum convenes. I am also discussing with the Prime Minister how he can accomplish a successful trade mission to the United States, perhaps before the AGOA forum. An investment and trade mission will not be successful, however, unless substantial progress has first been made on political and economic reforms. Speaking of economic reform and the fight against corruption, I want to touch on the current food emergency facing Kenya. I know from both Kenyan and American agricultural experts that this country is ) with the right policies ) fully capable of feeding itself. Corruption, the retention of statist policies long-proven to be inefficient and economically unviable, and outdated land polices have caused the current crisis. To assist those in need the U.S. will provide $42 million in food assistance by mid-March, but we are also insisting that the government immediately takes policy steps to alleviate the crisis. Now that President Kibaki has signed the Biosafety Bill, the government should move swiftly to develop the implementing regulations to allow for the importation of modern disease and pest resistant maize so that the hungry can be fed and the crisis alleviated. Kenya needs to increase its competitiveness in the agricultural sector by reforming policy to create a market-driven enabling environment (with broader involvement by the private sector and stakeholders) so that farmers can boost production to meet the needs of the growing population. The government must work to rationalize the maize market by allowing for the millers and farmers to trade freely, eliminate permanently the 50% duty on maize imports, and insist upon transparency and accountability in the management of the NCPB so that there are fewer opportunities for middle-men to abuse the system and profit from the country,s emergency reserves. A positive step to that end is the government,s decision to outsource management of buying and selling grains by the NCPB to an international firm beginning in September 2009. The U.S. supports the efforts undertaken by the government thus far, but we know that much more needs to be done now to avert a future crisis. I am pleased to announce that the United States is ready now to provide $83 million in credit guarantees for the importation of white maize, but only if the importation is carried out in a transparent manner. The U.S.-Kenyan Partnership The United States has faced several major crises during its long history. Among others, the civil war, the Great Depression, and the race riots during the 1960,s stand out. The challenge we faced each time was how to seize the opportunity for renewal presented to us as a result of those crises. In what were difficult, wrenching processes that threatened to tear our country apart, we managed to rise to the challenge each time. In so doing, American emerged with a stronger democracy. I urge Kenyans to seize the opportunity they now havefor renewal, and move forward on reform in order to bring about fundamental change. For years, Kenyans have been told that reform is coming whether in the form of a new constitution, more democratic elections, or an end to corruption on a grand scale. The time for talk is over; the time for concrete action is now. The United States will remain with you every step of the way. With the election of a son of Kenya as President of the United States, the partnership between our countries has never been closer, so I want to close by citing Obama,s own words. In his inaugural address President Obama talked to Americans about the necessity for reform and change in order to address the problems we face. In thinking about the agenda for fundamental change in Kenya, I want to recall what then Senator Obama said when he addressed students at the University of Nairobi in 2006. Senator Obama stated that: &In the end, if the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists - to protect them and to promote their common welfare - all else is lost. And this is why the struggle against corruption is one of the great struggles of our time." He went on to say that, based on his observations, "the Kenyan people are crying out for real change, and many Kenyans seemed to be sending (signals) of dissatisfaction with the pace of reform, and real frustration with continued tolerance of corruption at high levels. Ethnic-based tribal politics has to stop. It is rooted in the bankrupt idea that the goal of politics or business is to funnel as much of the pie as possible to one's family, tribe, or circle with little regard for the public good . . . Of course, in the end, one of the strongest weapons your country has against corruption is the ability of you, the people, to stand up and speak out about the injustices you see." Those words were prescient then and remarkably relevant now. While Kenya,s leaders must demonstrate the necessary vision and political will, you the Kenyan people must drive implementation by exercising your democratic rights in a peaceful way. The private sector must play a major role in this process. Insist that your political leaders implement the reform agenda because your future -- and the future of your children -- depends on it. End text of remarks. RANNEBERGER