Fight for your rights under new laws, Albright tells youth

By PETER OPIYO

The youth have been urged to be vigilant and ensure leaders adhere to the key principles of democracy.

Visiting former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former US Senate majority leader Thomas Daschle said democracy should not be a virtue on paper but must deliver to the needs of the population.

Addressing students at the University of Nairobi, Ms Albright said democracy must create economic justice, provide jobs and ensure rights of individuals are protected. "It is not enough that democracy just be on paper, it has to deliver," said Albright.

Mr Daschle registered happiness with the passage of the new Constitution, but urged the students to insist on tolerance, respect for the rule of law, participation and good leadership, as pillars of democracy.

democratic nation

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka with the Chairperson of the National Democratic Institute Madeleine Albright, in Nairobi, on Wednesday. The VP said the Government is commitment to implementation of the new Constitution. [PHOTO: COLLINS KWEYU/STANDARD]

"What you did is to create a blueprint for your Government for years to come. You created a Republic, a process but you must insist on transparency, accountability for this is what makes a democratic nation," said Daschle in reference to the passage of the new Constitution.

Separately, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka urged the international community to partner with Kenya in the implementation process saying the exercise will require huge amounts of resources particularly the establishment of county governments.

Kalonzo spoke during a breakfast meeting with the Global Board of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) led by Albright, who is the Chairperson. The VP said time was key in the implementation of the new laws and that the Government was keen to ensure it fast tracks the process.

"Time is of essence and we must ensure that all the necessary structures are put in place before the 2012 General Election," he said.

Albright advised Kenyans to come up with quick wins in the implementation process by passing a few crucial enabling laws immediately to encourage Kenyans the process has begun.

She paid tribute to Kenyans for conducting a peaceful and successful constitution referendum, which was, applauded the world over.

The VP assured the delegation that Kenya had made great progress in the fight against corruption and the implementation of various reforms under Agenda 4, and should therefore be assisted to access the Millennium Challenge Account to boost the economy.