Kenyans will have a new constitution by June 30th, as the newly-elected government holds fast to its pre-election promise of redistributing power.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Kiraitu Murungi today announced a consultation process headed by Mr Yash Pal Ghai, the chair of Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC), tomorrow "to ensure that we have a new constitution by June 30, as we have promised the people of Kenya."
CKRC technically ceased to exist after former president Mr Daniel arap Moi dissolved parliament in November to pave way for general elections that saw the ruling Kenya African National Union routed by the opposition after 39 years at the helm.
In September, the commission published a draft of a new constitution that radically redefined the distribution of power in Kenya, notably devolving much of the authority enjoyed by the head of state and overhauling a corrupt judiciary.
Mr Murungi also reiterated the new government's pledge to tackle rampant corruption, saying two key pieces of legislation, the Kenya Anti-Corruption Bill and the Economic Crimes Bill, would be published next week for debate in parliament.
"Work on these bills will start with immediate effect ... particularly we will try to entrench the Kenya Anti-Corruption Authority bill into the constitution before the new constituion comes into law," he said.
The first session of the ninth Parliament will be tomorrow.
AFP