TI welcomes proposed law, says it will help fight corruption

By Lucianne Limo

Transparency International-Kenya has lauded the Harmonised Draft Constitution as a step in the right direction to end corruption.

The agency, which has been at the forefront in the fight against graft, says the draft constitution has good provisions aimed at combating widespread corruption.

While releasing its annual corruption perception index, which places Kenya at position 146 of 180 globally, TI-Kenya said the draft proposes far-reaching reforms in governance.

"The draft constitution has positive elements that would reduce opportunities of corruption and abuse of power," TI-Kenya Executive Director Job Ogonda said on Wednesday, at a Nairobi hotel.

He cited the provision subjecting presidential powers to account to Parliament and the Judiciary.

He noted other provisions, which make the civil service more independent from political influence as a major step towards eradicating corruption and poor governance.

Read and understand

TI-Kenya urged Kenyans to read and understand the draft constitution and embrace it as citizens’ document.

"Kenyans have a draft constitution that we can work with. It has a lot of things that we can live with and even if we amend it, it should remain a document that can lead us to a great future," Dr Ogonda said.

This will call for compromises on things we feel strongly about, he said, adding it calls for a sober constitutional discourse and debate at forums that are not emotive.

Separately, the Kenya National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Florence Jaoko also welcomed the draft constitution and urged Kenyans to read it.

She said the provisions touching on human rights and gender issues are comprehensive.

"The draft raises issues Kenyans have been raising. It is a good draft, which we should embrace," she told The Standard on telephone.

Ms Jaoko said although the draft may need some brushing up the Committee of Experts did a commendable job.

"The provisions on the executive are balanced. We have to live with the fact that power must be shared," she said.

 

 

Read all about: Kenya Transparency International watchdog governance new constitution draft constitution Job Ogonda

 

 

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