The Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has lauded the ongoing bi-partisan talk as a locally tailored process and Kenyans should own it.
For the country to get positive results from the process, Mudavadi said, the dialogue must reflect an outcome that will be embraced by Kenyans in addressing their grievances.
“We want Kenyans to manage their own affairs. We need to have an open conversation and nothing should be canvased at the backroom. The conversation should carry everybody long so that we get solutions to our own problems.” The Prime CS observed.
He made the remarks on the sidelines of the ongoing Nairobi International Trade Fair at Jamhuri Park Show Grounds on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
He reiterated that the government fully supports the bipartisan talks, even as he stated that public funds used in the process are not immune to an audit.
“Public money being used to facilitate the bi-partisan process is not immune to the audit process by the Auditor General. Every cent will be accounted for in line with the Public Finance Management Act. All records will be set straight and is open to public scrutiny.” Mudavadi noted.
He said it is time Kenyans take the ‘bull by its horn’ citing the current situation facing the country especially the harsh economic times, require an approach that will yield progressive solutions.
Mudavadi also affirmed there is a country to protect and defend and the government has no intention of walking away from that responsibility.
“We don’t want this process to be associated with outside forces, it is a Kenyan process and we do not want it to be funded by external resources. Assuming in one way or another Kenyans find out that the process is being funded by country X or an international organization. There is a saying which goes, who pays the piper calls the tune.” Mudavadi cautioned.
He stated that the call for dialogue after 2022 general election, Kenyans’ call, through various stakeholders necessitated the ongoing process to accommodate all as reflected in the constitution.
“I don’t think any Kenyan will feel that the dialogue has been expensive if as a country and as a people we get results that will progressively impact on transforming our country across key spheres of life. All we are setting our eye on is a positive outcome that will help unite the country.” He said while responding to media queries on the unbearable high cost of the bi-partisan talks.
He said over and above the electoral reform agenda ahead of the 2027 elections circle, further reviews need to be factored in the laws governing the transition of executive authority to ensure a seamless hand over of power after an election.
He further said over and above the electoral reform agenda ahead of the 2027 elections circle as part of the conversation within the bi-partisan talks, further reviews need to be factored in the laws governing the well-being of the country as far as key timelines are to be considered.
He said a few pieces of legislation are running behind schedule alongside the proper constituting of the electoral body which he has proposed should be done at least 12 months prior to the next general election slated for August 9th, 2027.
“We have some pending cases in court challenging the results of the last census held in 2019. Nobody knows what the judgement will be. We all know that the process of delimitation of boundaries is pegged on the census date. What next, is the biggest question.” He pointed out stressing the urgency of key matters to be resolved even as the talks take shape for Kenya to cure most of its cross-cutting issues.
On the ongoing debate on the extension of the presidential term limit, Mudavadi referenced the constitution pointing out that it guarantees all Kenyans an equal chance to voice their opinions.
“You cannot stop people from speaking but that does not mean you believe in what they are saying.” He noted.
Mudavadi had earlier toured the showground and visited selected stands in the trade area and Agricultural demonstration plots a day after president William Ruto officially opened the show.
He said agricultural shows provide Kenyans with invaluable opportunities to showcase, experience, learn and market technologies, innovations and products related to the agricultural sector.
“As we continue recovering from the effects of COVID-19 which affected the operations of the Agricultural Society of Kenya, what has been showcased at this years’ Nairobi International Trade Fair is a true reflection of a journey back on track.” He said.
“Exhibitions have gone a notch higher and integrated aspects to do with climate change and environmental conservation, leveraging on technology and innovation. It is high time, we take a bold step and start thinking on what we can do to capture the minds, imagination and aspirations of the younger generation; 35 years and below which constitutes at least 70 per cent of our population to get them attracted to various ventures like agriculture and food production.” He added.
The theme of this year’s Nairobi Show is “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth”.
The one-week Trade Fair which ends tomorrow, Sunday October 1, 2023 targets to attract over 500 Local and international Exhibitors from sectors such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, Housing, Small and Medium Enterprises, Banking, Public and Private Sector Institutions, Hospitality, Education, with a host of new technologies and innovations on display.