Kenya Will Have a Brand New Constitution, Says Legislator

A legislator says final debate on proposed amendments of Kenya’s draft constitution will begin in parliament Wednesday ahead of a scheduled vote that paves the way for a new constitution.

30 March 2010

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, speaks to journalists in Nairobi, Kenya, 26 Mar 2010. He was instrumental in the formation of Kenya's unity government following the 2007 post-election violence.

A legislator says final debate on proposed amendments of Kenya’s draft constitution will begin in parliament Wednesday ahead of a scheduled vote that paves the way for a new constitution.

Gitobu Imanyara said if adopted the new constitution will ensure balance and provide real change and hope for all Kenyans.

“From 9 O’clock we will start debate on the proposed amendment and the mood in the House (parliament) and in the country is that we should pass the constitution as crafted by the Committee of Experts. So, I am confident… we shall have a new constitution that provides real change for Kenya after almost half a century of independence from the colonial constitution,” he said.

Local media reported that ministers in the coalition government and lawmakers have been unable to fully agree on suggested changes or amendments to the proposed law.

The reports said both the Party of National Unity (PNU) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the coalition government are suggesting different amendments to the draft constitution.