KIBAKI ADDRESSES OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

UNCLAS SCTION 08 OF 09 NAIROBI 000809 C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (PARA NUMBERS) SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV EFIN ECON EAGR SENV KE UG SUBJECT: KIBAKI ADDRESSES OPENING OF PARLIAMENT additional staff and court requirements. My Government will therefore introduce several new policies and bills in this sector. These include the National Human Rights Policy, the Legal Education Policy, the Judicial Services Bill, the Small Claims Courts Bill, the Law Reform Bill, and the Legal Education and Council for Legal Education Bills. In reforming the Judiciary we must be guided by the constitution and the tenets of the rule of law. The reforms we are proposing in the Judiciary are especially critical in the fight against corruption. Such reforms will support expeditious delivery of justice as a key pillar in the fight against corruption. The envisaged reforms will be extended to investigative aspects of corruption. This will ensure speedy conclusion of investigations and action against the perpetrators of corruption that we must effectively deal with in our country. Mr. Speaker, In order to strengthen Kenya,s capacity to conduct an effective regional and foreign policy, my Government will be tabling the Kenya Foreign Policy and the Kenyans in Diaspora Policy. Other important policies and bills that will be brought before the House to strengthen public service reforms include the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and the Consolidated Regional Development Authorities Bill. Mr. Speaker, The policy and legislative agenda I have outlined is clear evidence of the Grand Coalition Government,s resolve to implement most of the issues raised under Agenda Four of the National Accord. I urge Honourable Members to consider the policies and bills enumerated above in a timely manner, so that we keep Kenya firmly on the path of progressive reform and transformation. Mr. Speaker, I wish to assure the Honourable Members that the Grand Coalition Government will always protect the territorial integrity of our country. However, diplomacy will always be our first line of response. In this regard I call on Kenyans to be patient as we resolve the issue of Migingo Island. I am in constant communication with the President of the Republic of Uganda on this matter, and we have agreed to resolve the issue amicably through demarcation of the boundary by the Joint Kenya/Uganda Boundary Review Committee. As a member of the East African community we are bound by the Treaty of the East African Community to resolve all our disputes peacefully. Indeed, any differences that may arise out of such disputes cannot outweigh the huge benefits we all derive from our co-operation. I wish to reiterate that our country will continue to play a frontline role in international affairs. Kenya is guided by the desire to entrench peace co-existence, expand trade and promote mutual cooperation,s among nations. We shall abide by our international obligations so that Kenya can take its rightful position in the family of nations Mr Speaker, In order to improve security and delivery of services closer to our people, in line with the demands of the majority of members of this August House, we are in process of enhancing the status of the remaining constituencies into districts. As I conclude my remarks, I wish to urge the media, civil society, and our youth to consider the national interest when exercising their freedoms of expression and association. But we must do so with a sense of responsibility to ensure that exercising our freedoms does not result in damage to private or public property, or damage the country,s national interest and image. Burning of people,s houses or school property or uprooting of a portion of a railway line are too costly to us all and do not benefit anybody Mr. Speaker, finally, let me wish all the Honourable Members of this House fruitful and lively deliberations in the third session. It is now my pleasure and honour to declare the Third Session of the Tenth Parliament officially open.