Kenyans yet to feel impact of Constitution - poll /FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 5 – Only 20 percent of Kenyans believe that the new Constitution has changed the way the country is run, a new poll has shown.
The poll on the state of governance conducted by Transparency International, shows that 44 percent of Kenyans have not felt the effect of the new Constitution at all, while 32 percent said there had been some slight change.
According to Samuel Kimeu, the Executive Director of Transparency International – Kenya, those who have felt change cited judicial reforms as well as increased awareness on human rights in the 18 months of implementation.
“There is a large number of Kenyans who have expectations that have not been met so far, despite the fact that the impact should be felt in the long-term but it is vital that these frustrations be addressed,” he said.
Parliament was ranked highest among institutions that are most likely to negatively affect full implementation of the Constitution with the Judiciary and the presidency ranking second and third at 15 and 12 percent respectively.
The poll further showed that 76 .8 percent of Kenyans are not aware of any anti corruption efforts by the government within their locality.
Civil society organisations and the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) were cited as institutions in which Kenyans have confidence to steer the anti corruption agenda.
Kimeu called for the speedy resolution of the impasse surrounding the appointment of the chairperson and the commissioners of the anti corruption commission.
He has called for the revamping of the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission Act to help it boost the mandate of the commission in the fight against graft.
“There is an urgent need to sort out the problems bedevilling the EACC especially regarding the nomination of the office bearers that has stalled. Even the EACC Act itself should be amended,” emphasised Kimeu who said that any doubts cast on the EACC nominees will diminish public confidence in the ability of the commission to fight graft.
On elections, 27.9 percent of Kenyans indicated that they would seek commitments for the promotion of national cohesion from candidates seeking the different electoral offices.
Another 27.1 percent said that they will seek assurances that candidates are committed to fight poverty while a further 22 percent indicated that they will need assurances on the reduction of the cost of living.
“We must critically scrutinise all individuals seeking our votes and take advantage of the next elections to birth a refined leadership that meets our priorities and expectations and places country before self,” said Kimeu.
The survey was conducted between January 20 and February 13 sampling opinions of 1,936 adult Kenyans.
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