NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 4- The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has formed four working committees drawn from the public and private sectors that will facilitate the implementation of the new constitution.
Speaking after the 22nd council meeting on Saturday, Transport Minister Amos Kimunya who represented council chairman Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the committees were expected to come up with recommendations to be discussed in December.
The council also asked President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to speak in one voice on all matters of governance and to accord top priority to the implementation of the new laws.
"In this regard pronouncements that could cause divisions must be avoided. Civic education must be carried out to educate Kenyans on the responsibilities and benefits of the new constitution. It is important to clarify that some of the benefits will not be achieved immediately," he said.
The country\’s Vision 2030 would also be revised to incorporate the new laws and data collected during last year\’s population census. The council also recommended that acquisition of land necessary for the implementation of Vision 2030 flagship projects be accorded priority.
"There is need for concerted effort for the country to realize a GDP of 10 percent by the year 2012 but given the fact that the Kenyan economy has been growing at a pace much lower than envisaged under Vision 2030, we must review our Vision strategy to take into account the reality on the ground," she said.
NESC which noted that that the country\’s economy had registered a positive growth of 2.6 percent in 2009 also wanted the banking sector reviewed.
"The council expressed concern over the large margins between the interest charged by banks and that paid to savers and wants appropriate measures taken to address this anomaly," said Mr Kimunya.
He added that the country was on a recovery path with a projected growth of 5.2 percent in 2010. The council resolved to develop a comprehensive employment criterion that would provide job opportunities to the youth.
In addition, a technical workshop would be organized to consider policy options and incentives that would stimulate rapid economic growth
"In recognition of the capacity and immense potential of the young Kenyans to move the country forward, the Council noted the importance of manufacturing in driving the economic growth and providing employment," he said.
Mr Kimunya added that the council also noted the need to integrate Information and Technology in all government systems so as to harness its benefits for economic growth.
"ICT will provide the platform for development across the social, economic and other sectors. All counties should be equitably ICT enabled to ensure development in all areas of Kenya," he said.
Key milestones registered in respect to the realization of the Vision 2030 projects include: Construction of major roads, expansion of airports, setting up of free trade zones, establishment of a BPO ICT park, implementation of the Lamu Port and Corridor and implementation of the Mombasa-Malaba standard gauge railway.
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