Samwel Kumba
19 September 2008
Nairobi — The Government requires Sh4 trillion ($56 billion) to implement the medium-term programme of the larger Vision 2030, acting Finance minister John Michuki has said.
Mr Michuki, who is also the Environment and Mineral Resources minister, was on Friday addressing a Kenya Consultative Group (KCG) forum, which brings together the Government and development partners.
The medium-term programme runs from 2008 to 2012.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was the chief guest, said the Grand Coalition Government was working contrary to skepticism that it might not last.
Sessional Paper
The PM said that President Mwai Kibaki had assured him of his commitment to the comprehensive reforms outlined in the National Accord signed early this year.
"This week, the President and I received a report by the Independent Review Commission on the Electoral Commission's handling of last year's elections.
"The report will be presented to the Cabinet for consideration and approval of an implementation plan," said the PM.
Mr Odinga maintained that a sessional paper would be presented to Parliament for debate. He also confirmed that the National Land Policy draft was with the Cabinet office.
"In addition, the team investigating the recent post-election violence is due to conclude its findings.
"The two Bills that will jump-start the comprehensive constitutional review process are ready for reading when Parliament reopens next month," Mr Odinga told the diplomats and donors.
The donor coordinator, who is also the Danish ambassador to Kenya, Mr Bo Jensen, urged the coalition Government to ensure it delivered on all the pledges it made to Kenyans.
"We would like the Government to prioritise the comprehensive reforms agenda, deliver a new constitution and carry our radical reforms into the country's electoral system," said Mr Jensen.
He indicated that the previous poor coordination and uncertainties in various ministries hindered development and support of programmes.
The PM said that all parties in the coalition recognised the importance of delivering a new constitution to enable Kenyans to address other issues.
"We have widespread poverty, youth unemployment and income inequalities. We also need to enhance a greater sense of nationhood between our diverse cultures," said Mr Odinga.
Mr Michuki reiterated that the coalition Government was on course, arguing that although there may be differences in the working style, they were united in achieving the Government's goals.
Appreciable speed
The minister said the Government was harmonising its operations to solve the differences in style.
"We are working together on the constraints that have dogged the Port of Mombasa. I am now informed that cargo has started moving at an appreciable speed," said Mr Michuki, adding that ships from a neighbouring port were even heading to Mombasa.
Water and Irrigation minister Charity Ngilu also attended the forum.
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