We have implemented Constitution fairly well, say Government officials

Despite criticism over its commitment to the implementation of  the Constitution, the Jubilee administration feels it has done fairly well.

Those in Government feel they have performed well in the three years they have been in power; overseeing the passage of crucial legislation in the Jubilee-dominated National Assembly.

There is consensus among those in Government that although the process of implementing the Constitution that was promulgated in 2010 has had its pitfalls, the full realisation of the benefits is drawing near.

President Uhuru Kenyatta's adviser on constitutional affairs Abdikadir Mohamed is of the opinion that the Government has done relatively well in implementing the Constitution.

"My view is that 80-90 per cent of the constitutional implementation work has been achieved but there has been a lot of criticism because Kenya is a relatively cynical society," said Mr Mohamed.

He said Kenyans must not look at legislation as the only component of constitutional implementation, as there were other major tasks including setting up institutions and processes where much has been achieved.

"Kenyans must not forget that just two years ago, there was no Supreme Court, there were no county governments and assemblies and the President used to appoint his government without the approval of oversight bodies," said Mohamed.

He added, "That all those institutions and processes are up and running despite the problems is cause for major celebration."

Mohamed said despite Jubilee acknowledging that it faced challenges during the transition, it has done relatively well and can claim 60 per cent of what has been achieved on the front, with the rest going to former President Mwai Kibaki's government.

"That the Constitution was in place was the reason the President had to await the Supreme Court ruling on the election petition before he assumed office and that was important in view of the situation the country was in in 2007," said Mohamed.

He also cited the budget-making process in the national and county governments as an important pointer on how the country has transformed.

Mohamed said the Jubilee administration had performed exceptionally well in legislating on land matters and setting up the National Land Commission.

On a score card of 10, Mohamed said he would give the Jubilee government a score of seven for the implementation of the Constitution.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale said the Government had played its role well since it took power.

He said the Government was committed to implementing the Constitution, which has been described as one of the most progressive in the world.

"We are on the right track. As a Government, we have ensured the Constitution implementation is a priority. Look at the legislations that have been passed," said Mr Duale.