Nairobi — US President Barack Obama will visit Kenya if the referendum on August 4 approves the proposed constitution.

Vice President Joe Biden yesterday told President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga at State House in Nairobi that the world's most powerful man has promised to revisit his father's homeland if Kenya passes the proposed constitution. The American President last visited Kenya and his grandmother in Kogelo village as senator for Illinois in 2006.

"He told us that Obama was handling Kenya's case personally, outside the wider African policy, and will visit the country if we pass the proposed constitution," Raila told the Star last night.

Biden said Obama believed that the new constitution would unlock resources for Kenya and lift the country to a higher level.

"He encouraged us to forge ahead with reforms we initiated at the beginning of the coalition government, especially a new constitution, because they are critical for the country's future. We gave him our commitment that we will ensure that all the necessary reforms are enacted," said Raila.

The 10 am meeting between Biden and the two principals was set to last 20 minutes but it went on for more than an hour.

Biden commended Kibaki and Raila for mending their differences and furthering reforms which he promised would attract more US support.

"Thank you ... for making me more optimistic than I had been about the prospect of this reform occurring," Biden said at a press conference around noon in State House.

He said the funding was dependent on Kenya implementing the reforms including a new constitution, restoration of the rule of law, and other reforms under the National Accord of 2008.

Also in State House while Biden was meeting the two principals were Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy PMs Musalia Mudavadi and Uhuru Kenyatta, Cabinet ministers, US assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson and US ambassador Michael Ranneberger.

Addressing the press after the meeting, Biden wanted the "right climate" in Kenya and described the proposed constitution as a "single unique opportunity".

"America wants to do business here. When these reforms happen, you will see a different attitude from America and its investors," Biden said.

The US has in recent months applied unprecedented pressure on the government to resolve its internal disputes and implement the reform agenda.

Biden said that Kenya was already the largest recipient of American aid in Sub-Saharan Africa and implementation of the promised reforms would spur a new wave of US cash.

"Putting in place a new constitution and strengthening your democratic institutions and rule of law will further open the door to major US development programmes and investment from US corporations," he said.

Biden predicted that "Kenya's best days are yet to come" and that fresh US investment would boost confidence in Kenya across the world.

Kenya could now become eligible for the Millennium Challenge development funding offered to countries meeting 17 indicators centered on the rule of law and opportunities for growth. Since 2005 Kenya has received US $12.7 million for public sector reforms including strengthening the Public Procurement Oversight Authority and roll-out of an electronic-procurement system in the Office of the President and ministries of Education, Roads, Public Works, Energy and Health.

During yesterday's talks, Kibaki asked the US to increase its assistance to the transport, housing, energy and water sectors which are covered by the Millennium Challenge account for poor countries.

Kibaki requested Obama's administration to encourage US investors to explore the East African Common Market that comes into effect on July 1, according to a statement released by the President Press Service.

Biden said good governance was not an end in itself but must translate into certain realities such as creation of jobs for millions of skilled but unemployed youth.

Kibaki promised Biden that his government would deliver on the new constitution that he described as the "most important reform initiative" of the grand coalition government.

Kibaki expressed concern over piracy off the Coast of Somalia and the instability caused by extremist groups.

"We will support you in your efforts to secure your border with Somalia," Biden said.

Other regional issues discussed included the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for Sudan where Kenya and the US are guarantors. A referendum in January 2011 will determine whether Southern Sudan becomes an independent, autonomous region.

"We expect the referendum will take place as scheduled. The best way of supporting Sudan's internal stability, regional peace and prosperity is to respect the verdict of the people," Kibaki said.

Biden described the discussions as "productive" said he was "truly impressed" to witness the mutual cooperation between Kibaki and Raila.

"I must tell you I was truly impressed by the mutual cooperation between you and the prime minister ... and your mutual commitment to reform," Biden said.

Kibaki also thanked President Obama for his "continued interest" in Kenya. "We count on his administration's goodwill and cooperation,"Kibaki added.

The Cabinet ministers also present at State House were Sally Kosgey (Agriculture), Moses Wetangula (Foreign Affairs), George Saitoti (Internal Security), Mutula Kilonzo (Justice), Amason Kingi (East Africa) and the Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura.

After his meeting at State House, Biden laid a wreath at the August 7 Memorial Park before holding talks with the Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende.