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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 NAIROBI 000809 
 
C O R R E C T E D  C O P Y (PARA NUMBERS) 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV EFIN ECON EAGR SENV KE UG
SUBJECT: KIBAKI ADDRESSES OPENING OF PARLIAMENT 
 
REF: NAIROBI 780 
 
NAIROBI 00000809  001.2 OF 009 
 
 
¶1. Summary: At the April 21 opening of the third session of 
Parliament, 199 of 222 members of Parliament (MPs) attended 
and listened attentively to the President's and Speaker's 
speeches. In their opening prayers, religious leaders called 
for peace, unity, and strength even as the country was going 
through tough economic times, worsened by famine and drought. 
They also prayed for the political class to shun selfish 
interests and focus on addressing issues that are affecting 
the nation. Kibaki's speech was relatively comprehensive, 
though did not seem to give the reform agenda all the 
prominence it deserves. The Speaker delivered a refreshingly 
frank speech which hit issues head-on. The atmosphere at the 
reception after the opening session was relaxed as MPs mixed 
freely and President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga went 
round greeting invited guests and MPs. Parliament's first 
order of business will be debating the President's speech for 
four days. (Note: This is much quicker than in the past, 
thanks to the new Standing Orders drafted with assistance 
from AID/Kenya's parliamentary strengthening program.) MPs 
will then move on to tackling the supplementary budget 
presented by the Finance Minister on April 21. However, 
political wrangling over the composition of the House 
Business Committee, which controls the Parliamentary agenda, 
may delay consideration of the budget and other substantive 
issues. End summary. 
 
¶2. On April 21, the third session of the Tenth Parliament 
opened, with 199 of 222 members of Parliament (MPs) in 
attendance. As is customary, President Kibaki opened the 
session with an official speech. He noted that his priorities 
for business to be conducted during this session (expected to 
last until mid-summer) include: completion of the 
establishment of the Independent Interim Electoral Commission 
(details septel), the appointment of the members of the 
Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), and 
reformulation of the draft legislation establishing a local 
special tribunal to try perpetrators of post-election 
violence. Kibaki said he expected the TJRC to begin work "in 
a few weeks" and that the National Integration Commission, 
which is supposed to foster national unity and inter-ethnic 
reconciliation, should begin work in two months. Kibaki also 
talked in general terms about the need to fight corruption. 
However, the great majority of his speech focused on the dire 
economic situation facing Kenya. In a revealing comment, 
Kibaki said "I invite Kenyans to spend more time on economic 
and social development rather than non-productive politics." 
Religious leaders who led prayers at the session called on 
MPs to address critical issues facing Kenya, including 
drought and famine, and to set aside personal agendas in 
favor of the common good. 
 
KIBAKI ON MIGINGO ISLAND DISPUTE 
 
¶3. Kibaki also addressed the unresolved dispute between Kenya 
and Uganda over tiny Migingo Island in Lake Victoria (details 
septel). He called on Kenyans and MPs to be patient, noting 
that the government "will always prtect the territorial 
integrity of our country," and asked them to give diplomatic 
processes a chance to resolve the problem. He said he was in 
constant touch with Ugandan President Museveni on the matter, 
and added that he and Museveni had agreed to resolve the 
issue amicably through a border demarcation exercise being 
conducted by the Joint Kenya-Uganda Boundary Review 
Committee. He concluded that, as members of the East African 
Community (EAC), Kenya and Uganda are bound by the EAC Treaty 
to resolve disputes peacefully. 
 
SPEAKER MARENDE URGES ACTION ON REFORMS 
 
¶4. The Speaker of the House, Kenneth Marende (ODM), was 
forthright in his remarks, exhorting his fellow MPs to show 
"the extraordinary leadership that these extraordinary times 
demand." He called on MPs to set aside personal interests and 
political rivalries and to concentrate on solving Kenya's 
problems. The reform agenda cannot wait, he said, citing the 
examples of countries like the former Yugoslavia and the 
Soviet Union who failed to address the need for internal 
reforms and were torn apart as a consequence. Marende also 
cited environmental concerns such as drought and 
deforestation as factors that contribute significantly to 
food insecurity and must be addressed urgently. 
 
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 
 
 
NAIROBI 00000809  002.2 OF 009 
 
 
¶5. At the opening session, the following bills were tabled: 
-- Social Protection Bill on Older Persons and Aging 
-- The Persons with Disabilities Policy 
-- The Children's Act 2001 Amendment Bill 
-- The National Youth Council Bill 
-- The Sports Bill 
-- The Technical Institutes and Vocational Training Bill 
-- The Higher Education Bill 
-- The Social Protection Bill 
-- The Judicial Services Bill 
-- The Small Claims Courts Bill 
-- The Law Reform Bill 
-- The Council for Legal Education Bill 
-- The National Health Insurance Fund Amendment Bill 
-- The Public Health Amendment Bill 
-- The Local Government Amendment Bill 
-- The Consolidated Regional Development Authorities Bill 
 
¶6. Of the bills already tabled, we will be following closely 
the Amendment Bill to the Children's Act, which addresses 
important child protection and children's rights issues, 
including child soldiers and child prostitution. The Judicial 
Services Bill is also a critical piece of legislation, as it 
address how judges are appointed and reasons for which they 
can be removed (see reftel A). We have long advocated for the 
creation of small claims courts in Kenya, which would, if 
sensibly implemented, contribute to the reduction of massive 
backlogs and make justice more accessible for the vast number 
of claimants seeking relatively minor financial remedies. 
Disability rights organizations have lobbied for changes to 
the national disabilities policy, and we will follow up with 
them to see if the draft legislation meets their needs. 
 
¶7. The government also plans to present bills in the 
following policy areas, among others: health sector policy, 
with the goal of expanding access to health care, safe drugs 
and medicines, and emergency services; national human rights 
policy, which will address the need to strengthen the 
capacity and competence of the governance and judicial 
systems; integrated transport policy; food security and 
nutrition policy; cooperative development policy; arid and 
semi-arid lands development policy; wildlife policy; tourism 
policy; land policy; and livestock policy. Of these, land 
policy is arguably the most important and most overdue. 
 
MISSING FROM THE AGENDA: MONEY LAUNDERING AND TERRORISM 
 
¶8. The government has not proposed anti-money laundering 
(AML) or counter-terrorism legislation. Previous efforts to 
introduce bills in these two key areas failed in the Ninth 
Parliament due to domestic political opposition, notably from 
Kenya's Muslim community. However, we will continue to lobby 
the Kenyan government to take legislative action on the 
issues. We understand that the Ministry of Finance is 
revising the AML bill and may reintroduce it later this 
session. The fate of the counter-terrorism legislation is 
unknown. 
 
TEXT OF SPEAKER'S REMARKS 
 
¶9. Begin text: 
 
Your Excellency, Honorable Members, Distinguished Guests, 
Ladies and Gentlemen, 
 
It is my pleasant duty and exclusive honor to welcome you to 
Parliament Buildings on this auspicious occasion of the State 
Opening of the Third Session of the Tenth Parliament. This 
ceremony is taking place at a most momentous time in the life 
history of our country. 
 
First, the Coalition Government credited with reclaiming 
tranquility in our motherland is besieged with apparent 
unhealthy intrigue that sometimes threatens to overshadow the 
tenets of governance that we are all about. Allow me, 
Honorable Members, to at the very outset capture the irony of 
the time by asserting that we all enjoy the rare privilege of 
an opportunity to make history that only a chosen few are 
lucky to have, to make an immortal positive difference. 
History is beckoning at us to go into its annals as that 
generation of politicians that rose to the national challenge 
that the citizenry of Kenya expect of a people they have 
placed their trust in, by your election, to demonstrate the 
extraordinary leadership that these extraordinary times 
demand. 
 
 
NAIROBI 00000809  003.2 OF 009 
 
 
As an institution, Parliament has been under incessant attack 
for more than one reason by, among others, our veritable 
partner in governance "the Fourth Estate." This is because, 
Honorable Members, we were elected to lead, to reform, and 
make Kenya a great country. What is coming through therefore 
is a potent message that after one and a quarter years 
Kenyans are hungry for a win, they want to see entries on the 
score card, they are not prepared to wait indefinitely. We 
must therefore rise to the occasion, we must move away from 
side shows, small talk, and stop hitting below the belt to 
gain unfair advantage or start fresh battles. We owe it to 
the country to embrace each other and collectively joined 
together show our ability to weather all the storms 
threatening our nationality or territorial integrity such as 
the Migingo saga. It is time to act our patriotism and love 
for this country so that we illustrate our stoicism to the 
rest of the world as we have done before, show that strong 
winds may blow and break our branches, bend our trunks, but 
our roots in the Kenyan soil remain strong, steady, firm and 
solidly anchored. We cannot be uprooted, this is the time 
that we must subordinate our partisan or parochial interest 
to the national interest and be bold to face the problems 
afflicting our country and commit ourselves to their 
resolution in the most diligent, objective, and honorable 
manner. We should be forever mindful that the Kenya that 
unites us is infinitely greater than our respective partisan 
loyalties that divide us. 
 
At the risk of belaboring the point, I want to proclaim that 
this is the time that Kenyans must go out of their way to 
protect each other's dignity and emulate the spirit our 
sportsmen and women have demonstrated in athletics, rugby and 
cricket, winning for Kenya accolades and respect the world 
over. If we were a country of small people with little brains 
and weak muscles, we would not have made these global and 
world record breaking achievements. 
 
Your Excellency, 
This House passed very important pieces of legislation that 
are crucial to the reforms that the Coalition Government 
committed itself to last year. The House went further through 
the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Constitutional 
Review Act to put in place early this year some organs of 
reforms. These include the Committee of Experts, Interim 
Electoral Commission of Kenya, etc. The public have been very 
keen to see these organs take shape because they mean a lot 
for the stability of this country. 
 
During the last recess, very harsh words were exchanged in 
public about requisite reforms in the Judiciary and Police 
force with far reaching consequences. There is nothing unique 
in the problems that Kenya faces today. Urgent reforms are 
needed in this country if the Kenyan nation is to continue as 
the geographical, political and physical entity that it is. 
What the others did is not rocket science, they simply 
underwent reforms and were able to be stable, peaceful, and 
prosperous. Why do we want to reinvent the wheel? We cannot 
avoid this prescription. The world is replete with examples 
as to the fate of those that believed otherwise, e.g. the 
Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and nearer home, 
Somalia. It does not matter how difficult and chaotic things 
may seem to be in Kenya today but if we negotiate and debate 
our differences in a free and peaceful atmosphere, we shall 
definitely legislate long lasting reforms that are acceptable 
to our people and important for maintaining their unity and 
dignity. 
 
It is for this reason that I would once again appeal to 
Members to be polite and mindful of whatever they say on the 
floor of the House more so because the proceedings of the 
House are now covered live. What transpires from this House 
in the form of Parliamentary debate should consist of 
substance that will unite Kenyans, give them hope and enhance 
their solidarity. Yes, we live in difficult times but 
leadership is not about soft options. 
 
Your Excellency, 
Our country is having to face a grave situation of food 
shortage that has been compounded by the financial crisis 
which I am advised by those in the know was triggered off in 
the western world by selfish international citizens but whose 
consequences have hit us all. I do not intend, even for a 
moment, to blame the western powers for all problems 
responsible for food scarcity in our land. I believe that we 
all know where the rains started beating us. As elected 
leaders of our people, we must tell them the truth about some 
 
NAIROBI 00000809  004.2 OF 009 
 
 
of our unsustainable land use systems which have 
systematically contributed to deforestation, land 
degradation, water mismanagement, environmental pollution, 
and declining agricultural production at a time when our 
population is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Much as 
these are global problems, we must act locally and make our 
local contribution to the global solution of these problems. 
God gave us a beautiful country with plenty within its 
borders, inclusive of rivers, lakes, forests, and rich 
agricultural land, name it, so much so that many a time in 
international fora I brag, "If you want to experience Africa, 
come to Kenya and will find the whole of Africa in one, under 
one beautiful roof." The spectacular mosaic that is Kenya. 
But it is our responsibility to develop this country. It is a 
shame today, that a lot of our food is imported from much 
less endowed countries yet our people are energetic and 
hardworking so that we, as a matter of fact, are the envy of 
many countries in the world for our exceptional human 
capital. By using our own minds, hearts and hands, we will 
not only produce enough food to feed our people, but also 
surplus for export to other drought stricken countries of the 
world. This must be our first aim if the Vision 2030 is to 
make any sense to our people. People who are hungry cannot 
have any vision. Allow me, Your Excellency, to underscore my 
point by a quote from a wise mind: "If you think right, talk 
right, and act right, you will meet the right people for the 
right reasons, and you will get the right results right here 
and right now." 
 
Your Excellency, 
May I conclude my brief remarks by thanking your Government 
for being mindful about assisting the National Assembly to 
access enough resources to carry out effective oversight of 
the Executive, particularly through the Committee system and 
implementation of other capital projects. The House adopted 
the new Standing Orders on the 10th of December 2008, and 
these are intended to place in the hands of Members 
appropriate tools for carrying out their constitutional 
mandate in the most effective and efficient manner. That is 
what Kenyans expect from the Members of Parliament. 
 
As Speaker of the House, I would like to reassure the 
Honorable Members of my commitment and dedication to defend 
their rights and privileges as permitted by law without fear 
or favor. This House represents the sovereignty of our people 
and it has the legal duty and constitutional mandate to speak 
on their behalf and call the Executive to account for all its 
actions. On the other hand, the Executive is afforded 
sufficient opportunity under the various provisions of our 
Standing Orders to pilot through the House its legislative, 
political, and administrative policies, projects, and 
programs. This is why Parliament exists in any democracy, 
young or old. 
 
Your Excellency, 
It is now my honor and privilege to invite you to address the 
nation from this House. 
 
Thank you. 
 
End text. 
 
TEXT OF KIBAKI'S SPEECH 
 
¶10. Begin text: 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
I am pleased to join fellow Honorable Members and Kenyans on 
the occasion of this State Opening of the Third Session of 
the Tenth Parliament. I welcome you back after a busy recess 
in your constituencies. This occasion comes at a time when in 
the past year, the Government and the people of Kenya have 
faced various challenges in their endeavor to create a more 
peaceful, prosperous, and equitable country. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
You will recall that soon after the formation of the Grand 
Coalition Government the country was faced with a crisis of 
600,000 displaced persons. Half of them spent months in tents 
under very difficult conditions. They all had to be fed by 
the state, charitable organizations and development partners. 
The other half were accommodated by relatives, friends, and 
well wishers. This was the worse humanitarian crisis since 
independence. However, we have made steady progress in the 
resettlement of over 90 percent of those who were in IDP 
camps. We have also rebuilt 19 burnt schools, constructed 36 
 
NAIROBI 00000809  005.2 OF 009 
 
 
new police stations and 108 Administration Police posts. 
These resettlement programmes will need to be accelerated 
with a view to ensuring that all genuine IDPs are resettled. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
The other challenge our country faced last year was the 
national food crisis. This was occasioned by the prolonged 
rain failure and high cost of agricultural inputs, resulting 
in reduced production. The crisis was further aggravated by 
the displacement of farmers and the depletion of our 
strategic grain reserves. The crises made it necessary for 
the Government to allocate 8.5 billion shillings for 
importation of maize. These funds will be allocated through a 
supplementary budget of which I seek your support. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
It is now clear that the effects of climatic change may be 
here to stay, and we must act responsibly to mitigate any 
weather related challenges in future. In this regard, my 
Government is now according priority to irrigated food 
production in order to assure the country of food security 
henceforth. Some of the efforts in this direction include the 
six new dams to be constructed. These are: 
¶1. Badasa Dam in Marsabit for water supply and irrigation, 
¶2. Chemusu Multipurpose Dam in Baringo, 
¶3. Umma Dam in Kitui District, 
¶4. Kiserian Dam for water supply, 
¶5. River Nzoia Dam for irrigating Bunyala and Budalangi, and 
¶6. Upper Ewaso Nyiro Dam for irrigation and water supply for 
Ewaso Nyiro Basin. 
 
In addition, eight irrigation schemes are being rebuilt 
including Bura, Hola, Ahero, Wei Wei in Sigor, West Pokot and 
Kimira-Oluch in Rachuonyo and Homa Bay. 
 
With regard to agricultural inputs, the government has 
embarked on a program to ensure lower prices for fertilizers 
and seeds in support of our farmers' efforts to increase food 
production. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
Besides the food crisis, the country experienced a serious 
energy crisis with rocketing energy prices reaching 
unprecedented levels. The food and energy crises were later 
followed by the global financial crisis that gave rise to the 
ongoing global economic crisis. The real effect of the global 
financial crisis has started to be felt in our economy, 
especially among sectors that are dependent on international 
demand. 
 
The multiple adversities Kenya has experienced since January 
2008 has once again exposed both our weaknesses and our 
strengths. I want to assure Kenyans that the government is 
instituting a number of measures aimed at easing the effects 
of the global financial crisis on ordinary Kenyans and the 
entire economy. 
 
In this connection, the government is according higher 
priority to infrastructure development. In the energy sector, 
we are focusing especially on Geothermal and Coal Power 
Generation. In the transport sector, the government is 
focusing on modernization of our road network and a second 
sea port at Lamu, as well as development of the railway and 
road links to Ethiopia and Sudan through Isiolo. 
 
Further, we are together with Uganda working on a new 
standard-gauge railway line from Mombasa to Uganda, with a 
view to extending it to the Great Lakes Countries. 
 
As can be seen Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the Grand 
Coalition Government is making good progress in managing the 
challenges facing our nation. The government has the 
necessary capacity to lead Kenyans out of the current 
situation. We have the political will and socio-economic 
direction as articulated in VISION TWENTY THIRTY. However, I 
wish to invite Kenyans to spend more time and energy on 
economic and social development than on non-productive 
politics. 
 
We must bear in mind that Kenya is in competition with other 
countries in the region and globally. We are competing for 
investments, for tourists and for markets and businesses. 
Therefore, let us commit ourselves to protect and promote the 
image of the country. 
 
At this juncture, Mr. Speaker, some elaboration on The VISION 
 
NAIROBI 00000809  006.2 OF 009 
 
 
TWENTY THIRTY would be in order for avoidance of doubt. The 
Vision is Kenya,s blueprint for socio-economic 
transformation by the year 2030. It represents a roadmap that 
will see every Kenyan enjoy equal opportunity and access to 
development. The Grand Coalition Government is currently 
implementing the First Medium Term Plan, which is the first 
phase of VISION TWENTY THIRTY. This plan is drawn from the 
joint manifesto of the political parties in the Grand 
Coalition. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
 
The attainment of VISION TWENTY THIRTY will require our 
single minded focus, proper organization and high level of 
discipline. This is what will lead to the emergence of a 
prosperous, equitable, and stable country. I am therefore 
calling on the three arms of Government, Parliament, the 
Executive and the Judiciary to inculcate into their 
institutional set-ups the focus, organizational skills, and 
discipline that are required for Kenya,s successful 
transition into a middle income country with a high quality 
of life for all of her citizens. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
 
It is important to observe that parliament has been a close 
participant in dealing with some of the most difficult 
challenges facing our nation in the past one year. 
 
I must commend the people of Kenya and Honourable Members for 
the courage and determination they showed in establishing 
commissions to look into the management of elections and the 
factors surrounding post-election violence. Upon 
establishment of the Kriegler and Waki Commissions, and 
subsequent presentation of their recommendations, this August 
House had the courage to pass landmark bills to facilitate 
the implementation of some of those recommendations as 
Parliament, in its wisdom, deemed fit. 
 
It will be recalled that parliament passed the Constitutional 
Review Amendment Act of 2008. This Act established the 
Committee of Experts on the Constitution Review. The 
Committee is already in place and working, to help shepherd 
the country towards the successful passage of a new 
Constitution by next year. 
 
Equally, the former Electoral Commission of Kenya was legally 
dissolved in December 2008. In this connection, among the 
first business to be conducted during this session will be to 
complete the establishment of the Independent Interim 
Electoral Commission. It should also be noted that the Truth, 
Justice and Reconciliation Act of 2008 established the Truth, 
Justice and Reconciliation Commission whose recruitment of 
members is currently taking place. The Commission is expected 
to start its work in a few weeks time. 
 
The last session of Parliament also passed the National 
Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008 establishing the 
National Integration Commission which is expected to begin 
its work in two months time. With regard to the Waki 
Commission, the bills establishing the Special Tribunal 
failed to pass in this House, in the last session of 
parliament. The government will expand consultations with a 
view to reformulate the establishment of a Local Tribunal to 
try the perpetrators of post-election violence. 
 
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that this Parliament has been 
instrumental in passing several landmark laws during the last 
session that will further secure our country,s dream for 
representative, effective, and accountable governance. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
 
We are keenly aware that the Grand Coalition Government and 
this House must address the issues of central importance to 
the welfare and development of our country. Such issues 
include land ownership and use, poverty, equitable 
development, unemployment, and food security as a matter of 
urgency. Addressing these issues will be a step forward in a 
bid ensure peace, security, prosperity and stability in our 
nation. Indeed, most of the policies and bills to be tabled 
before the Third Session of this Parliament will deal with 
these matters. In particular, land policy and consolidated 
land bill will be tabled in parliament during this session. 
 
Out of our concern and determination to embark on these 
 
NAIROBI 00000809  007.2 OF 009 
 
 
issues, I and the Prime Minister recently launched the Kazi 
Kwa Vijana initiative, as a short term measure to create 
employment, while dealing with poverty and hunger in poor 
rural and urban communities. 
 
Further, the Cabinet has recently authorized implementation 
of the Youth Employment Programme, which is a wide ranging 
long term employment and development strategy for our 
country. The youth constitute the largest and the most 
productive segment of the population in this country. We must 
provide them opportunity and the enabling environment for 
employment. By so doing we are injecting youthful creativity 
and energy into the economy. 
 
To address the same issues further, the Government is pursing 
two initiatives. First, the Government will establish Special 
Economic Zones along strategic transport corridors in key 
cities and towns. Here, the Government will provide land, 
utilities and infrastructure as well as other investment 
incentives to support and fast-track investments in these 
Special Economic Zones. 
 
Second, the Government is working on the establishment of the 
new Northern Transport and Development corridor, together 
with the construction of the second port at Lamu as mentioned 
earlier. These initiatives capture most of the key flagship 
projects under VISION TWENTY THIRTY and also address poverty, 
unemployment, food security and commercialization of 
agriculture, infrastructural development, trade, tourism, 
industry, and security, simultaneously. 
 
As a Government, we are clear in our minds that poverty, food 
security, crime, unemployment and equity are inter-connected 
and must therefore be addressed in a holistic manner. In 
support of the above initiatives, the Government will be 
presenting to this House key policies for adoption by 
parliament. These include the Integrated Transport Policy, 
the Trade Policy, the Industrialization Policy, the Business 
Incubation and Technology Parks Policy, and the Food Security 
and Nutrition Policy, the Cooperative Development Policy, 
Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Development Policy, the Wildlife 
Policy, the Tourism Policy, the Land Policy, the Science, 
Technology and Innovation Policy, and livestock development 
policy. The Government will also present the various Bills 
that are relevant to the policies mentioned above. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
 
The development of our human resources and human capital is 
crucial to our endeavor for an equitable and prosperous 
society. Justice demands that all Kenyans must be given 
equitable opportunities and access for social development. We 
are especially concerned with ensuring that persons with 
disabilities, poor households and communities, children, 
youth, aged persons, and the sick are well provided for 
through national policy and legislative frameworks. We are 
also aware of the need to provide our youth with employable 
skills. My Government will, therefore, be tabling before this 
House the Social Protection Bill, the Policy on Older Persons 
and Ageing, and the Persons with Disabilities Policy. We 
shall also table several bills including the Children,s Act 
2001 (Amendment) Bill, the National Youth Council Bill, the 
Sports Bill, the Technical Institutes and Vocational 
Education Training Bill, the Higher Education Bill, and the 
Social Protection Bill. 
 
With regard to providing expanding access to health care, 
safe drugs and medicines, and emergency support to all 
Kenyans, the Government will be tabling the Health Sector 
Policy, the Veterinarian and Pharmaceutical Drugs Policy, the 
Traditional Medicine and Medicinal Plants Policy, the 
National Fire Policy, the National Disaster Policy, and the 
National Alcohol Policy. These policies will be accompanied 
by several bills that include the National Health Insurance 
Fund (Amendment) Bill and the Public Health (Amendment) Bill. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
 
The Government is aware of the need to strengthen the 
capacity and competence of our governance and judiciary 
systems. We need a firm establishment of the rule of law, and 
timely and fair dispensation of justice, for our country,s 
economic and social transformation to take place. In that 
regard Government has approved hiring of more magistrates and 
judges to match the case load. There will also be a much 
higher budget allocation to the judiciary to cater for 
 
NAIROBI 00000809  008 OF 009 
 
 
additional staff and court requirements. 
 
My Government will therefore introduce several new policies 
and bills in this sector. These include the National Human 
Rights Policy, the Legal Education Policy, the Judicial 
Services Bill, the Small Claims Courts Bill, the Law Reform 
Bill, and the Legal Education and Council for Legal Education 
Bills. 
 
In reforming the Judiciary we must be guided by the 
constitution and the tenets of the rule of law. The reforms 
we are proposing in the Judiciary are especially critical in 
the fight against corruption. Such reforms will support 
expeditious delivery of justice as a key pillar in the fight 
against corruption. The envisaged reforms will be extended to 
investigative aspects of corruption. This will ensure speedy 
conclusion of investigations and action against the 
perpetrators of corruption that we must effectively deal with 
in our country. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
 
In order to strengthen Kenya,s capacity to conduct an 
effective regional and foreign policy, my Government will be 
tabling the Kenya Foreign Policy and the Kenyans in Diaspora 
Policy. Other important policies and bills that will be 
brought before the House to strengthen public service reforms 
include the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and the 
Consolidated Regional Development Authorities Bill. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
 
The policy and legislative agenda I have outlined is clear 
evidence of the Grand Coalition Government,s resolve to 
implement most of the issues raised under Agenda Four of the 
National Accord. I urge Honourable Members to consider the 
policies and bills enumerated above in a timely manner, so 
that we keep Kenya firmly on the path of progressive reform 
and transformation. 
 
Mr. Speaker, 
 
I wish to assure the Honourable Members that the Grand 
Coalition Government will always protect the territorial 
integrity of our country. However, diplomacy will always be 
our first line of response. In this regard I call on Kenyans 
to be patient as we resolve the issue of Migingo Island. I am 
in constant communication with the President of the Republic 
of Uganda on this matter, and we have agreed to resolve the 
issue amicably through demarcation of the boundary by the 
Joint Kenya/Uganda Boundary Review Committee. As a member of 
the East African community we are bound by the Treaty of the 
East African Community to resolve all our disputes 
peacefully. Indeed, any differences that may arise out of 
such disputes cannot outweigh the huge benefits we all derive 
from our co-operation. 
 
I wish to reiterate that our country will continue to play a 
frontline role in international affairs. Kenya is guided by 
the desire to entrench peace co-existence, expand trade and 
promote mutual cooperation,s among nations. We shall abide 
by our international obligations so that Kenya can take its 
rightful position in the family of nations 
 
Mr Speaker, 
 
In order to improve security and delivery of services closer 
to our people, in line with the demands of the majority of 
members of this August House, we are in process of enhancing 
the status of the remaining constituencies into districts. 
 
As I conclude my remarks, I wish to urge the media, civil 
society, and our youth to consider the national interest when 
exercising their freedoms of expression and association. But 
we must do so with a sense of responsibility to ensure that 
exercising our freedoms does not result in damage to private 
or public property, or damage the country,s national 
interest and image. Burning of people,s houses or school 
property or uprooting of a portion of a railway line are too 
costly to us all and do not benefit anybody 
 
Mr. Speaker, finally, let me wish all the Honourable Members 
of this House fruitful and lively deliberations in the third 
session. It is now my pleasure and honour to declare the 
Third Session of the Tenth Parliament officially open. 
 
 
NAIROBI 00000809  009.2 OF 009 
 
 
Thank You and God Bless You All 
 
End text. 
 
RANNEBERGER