PRESIDENTS SPEECH

Presidents’ speech should be followed by action

By Isaac Nasong’o Wanyonyi

Presidential speeches are written after consultations between the president and maybe prime ministers. I suppose this is the case because they are elected to speak on our behalf. They are our representatives in the house.

The speech that was delivered by the president during the Madaraka day celebrations was influential and heart warming. It is therefore important that the issues raised in the speech on Wednesday be taken with the seriousness it deserves as it gave hope to the less fortunate.

The head of state addressed the nation at a time when the nation is facing a multiple gripping poverty, swelling living cost, and the breaching of Kenya’s territorial boundaries.

It was observable that the president was aware of the problems that are causing a stir to the Kenyan society as opposed to the early 70s.

In solving some of these problems, he cited on the short time measures the government would take to cushion consumers from the escalating food and fuel prices. This is an issue that if not addressed in time will pose a threat to the social ability and economic gains of the people.

The president pointed out that the government has set its target to the long term strategies that will improve and stabilize the social and economic stability of the citizens.

If that is the case, this promise can only be archived if the new constitution is implemented within the provided time frame.

Unfortunately, this may not be achieved due to the political wrangles that are taking stage on the implementation process. The concerned parties are taking a political bickering and the 2012 presidential race has taken over.

Our political heads are so power hungry that they are not patient to clearing the tasks at hand before taking new tasks. They are already roaming the country trying to display their popularity at the expense of the electorate.

Inn the speech, the president emphasized the need to fast track the implementation of the new constitution. Although it is now closing to one year since the constitution was passed with jubilation from the citizens about the goodies that were to come with it, we are yet to benefit from the same.

Taking to consideration the frequent disagreements experienced within the coalition government, it is perhaps time for the President and the Prime Minister to take charge of the entire process.

By saying this, I don’t mean that the house has failed but I am of the opinion that it is not taking the mater with the seriousness it deserves.

The house has only managed to pass two laws since the implementation. The politicians that are ever grumbling should know that just like the way the country gained independence in 1963 the constitution implementation depends on group force, cohesion and team work.

They should therefore work together as a group and see the constitution go through.