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Kenya: U.S. Nudges Country Towards Reforms

WARNING: This is Version 1 of my old archive, so Photos will NOT work and many links will NOT work. But you can find articles by searching on the Titles. There is a lot of information in this archive. Use the SEARCH BAR at the top right. Prior to December 2012; I was a pro-Christian type of Conservative. I was unaware of the mass of Jewish lies in history, especially the lies regarding WW2 and Hitler. So in here you will find pro-Jewish and pro-Israel material. I was definitely WRONG about the Boeremag and Janusz Walus. They were for real.

Original Post Date: 2010-06-09 Time: 01:00:05  Posted By: News Poster

By Dave Opiyo

Nairobi – The United States on Tuesday encouraged Kenyans to press on with the reform process, saying it will strengthen democracy and open doors for more American aid and investment.

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Kibaki at State House, Nairobi, US vice-president Joe Biden said: “Putting in place a new constitution, strengthening democracy and the rule of law will further open up doors for more American programs which will bring about more investments.

“We also want to see a peaceful referendum that will further unite Kenyans.”

With seven weeks to the referendum, Mr Biden said the wide ranging reforms being undertaken by the government would strengthen democracy and the rule of law.

Mr Biden, the most senior American official to visit independent Kenya, also expressed his delight at the good working relationship between President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

And even as he gave the country a thumbs up for the progress made in implementing the reforms agenda, he remained optimistic that the process, which began after the signing of the National Accord, will be successfully concluded.

“I have never been this optimistic of the country’s ability to move the reform process forward… Kenya’s best days are yet to come,” he said.

Spoke strongly

Mr Biden’s message appeared to be a reinforcement of US President Barack Obama’s sentiments over the weekend when he spoke strongly of his wish to see a more prosperous Kenya.

Mr Obama had used an interview with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation to urge Kenyans to seize “the moment” offered through the referendum on a new constitution to put the post-election violence behind them.

But he clarified that the US was not pushing for the Yes vote at the referendum, saying the decision to vote Yes or No at the referendum was up to Kenyans themselves.

The State House meeting was attended by Mr Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Cabinet ministers Musalia Mudavadi, Uhuru Kenyatta, Mutula Kilonzo, Dr Sally Kosgei, George Saitoti and Moses Wetang’ula.

The American Vice-President, who arrived into the country on Monday evening with his wife Jill Biden, is also scheduled to visit South Africa to attend the opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup on Friday.

Mr Biden’s comments on investment were in response to President Kibaki’s request to the US government to encourage more American businessmen to invest in Kenya, especially in the transport, housing, energy and water sectors.

Said the President: “We would also wish to encourage American investors to take advantage of the single East African Common market that will become a reality next month.”

“The single market will allow free movement of people, goods, services and capital throughout the five member countries that comprise Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi,” he added.

In response, Mr Biden said: “Americans want to do business here, they want to travel here, and with the right climate, they will come.”

He said that this would be made possible through the implementation of the reform agenda.

“Better governance systems will create more jobs to the country that will in turn be better for the economy,” he said.

“Implementing reforms will encourage foreign investments and reinvigorate tourism… we would like to see the country grow,” he said.

Mr Biden said the US recognises that Kenya’s long-term stability and development was tied to regional stability.

“I assured the President and the Prime Minister the United States supports Kenya’s efforts to secure the Kenya Somali border in the face of very real threats from those who wish to spread chaos through despair and violence,” he said.

President Kibaki had earlier on asked the US government to “provide leadership and forge a concerted international effort to stabilize Somalia”.

“This matter must be addressed with greater urgency… stabilization of Somalia is a high priority for both the US and Kenya in our common efforts to secure regional peace and stability,” he said.

On Sudan, President Kibaki said the forthcoming referendum, that had been planned for January next year, will take place as scheduled.

He said the best way of supporting Sudan’s internal stability, regional peace and prosperity was to respect the verdict of the people, irrespective of the outcome of the referendum.

President Kibaki appreciated the continued keen interest President Obama had shown in Kenya.

He said the referendum was the most important initiative for the grand coalition government and remained confident that through this process, Kenyans will get a new constitution.

The government considers the situation in Somalia to be a key threat to regional stability and has been keen to encourage the US to use its influence in the UN Security Council to have Somalia back on the diplomatic front burner.

Original Source: The Nation (Nairobi)
Original date published: 8 June 2010

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201006081277.html?viewall=1