Kindiki: 16 years on, we must turn constitutional rights into wealth
Kindiki said the Bill of Rights and provisions of the Constitution placed human rights and democratic ideals at the centre of governance.
Nairobi, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to shift their focus towards democracy, national unity, and wealth creation as the country commemorates 16 years since the ratification of the 2010 Constitution. During the Katiba@16 symposium in Nairobi, Kindiki emphasized the need to evaluate the progress made in implementing the Constitution and pinpoint areas that still demand attention.
Speaking on Thursday, the Deputy President highlighted how the Constitution established Kenya as a democratic, multi-party state while acknowledging the nation's diversity and the establishment of 47 counties under a devolved governance system.
Kindiki stressed that the anniversary is an opportune moment for Kenyans to reflect on the country's advancement towards sovereignty and unity, as well as the respect for tolerance and diversity. He urged the nation to assess the collaboration between government branches and their respective constitutional responsibilities, singling out devolution, judicial independence, and parliamentary oversight as vital areas for evaluation.
The Deputy President also called for a review of the adherence to national values and governance principles, such as patriotism, the rule of law, human rights, democracy, environmental sustainability, and accountability.
Kindiki argued that the Constitution's framework, outlined in Articles 10 and 232, serves as the "software" of the nation, and that strengthening both the nation's institutional structures and guiding values is crucial. He emphasized that while democratic institutions and political rights are significant, Kenya's constitutional vision also necessitates improvements in the economic wellbeing of citizens. According to Kindiki, democracy and prosperity are the two foundational pillars of Kenya's constitutional order.
The Deputy President concluded that economic development should lead to better living conditions, including access to essential services, and encouraged Kenya and other developing countries to prioritize wealth creation alongside democracy. The remarks follow the nation's use of the 16th anniversary of the Constitution to reflect on the progress, challenges, and unfinished business of the 2010 constitutional dispensation, with the aim of charting a path beyond 2030 by strengthening democratic governance and translating constitutional rights into tangible improvements in the lives of Kenyans.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
