Kenya is committed to promoting democracy - Uhuru tells the world

NAIROBI, Kenya

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya has affirmed Kenya's commitment to the promotion of democracy, respect for human rights, regional peace and security as well as the war against corruption.

Uhuru’s message was delivered through a video recording on Friday evening at the virtual summit on democracy convened by US President Joe Biden.

The two-day conference attracted high-level participation from more than 100 nations.

"Kenya commits to strengthen democracy, defend against authoritarianism, combat corruption and respect for human rights within the country, the East African Community, the African region, and in the world at large,” Uhuru said.

He said that since independence, Kenya has progressively deepened its democracy and entrenched the rule of law.

"I wish to confirm that we have achieved significant democratic milestones, which include amongst other things; the adoption of an inclusive and progressive Constitution of Kenya (2010) that incorporates an expansive bill of rights; and more decentralized governance structure of 47 county governments with increased county capacity in localised planning, public expenditure management and so on.”

The president outlined the promotion of diversity and inclusion especially for previously marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities as well as an independent judiciary, robust bicameral parliament, and enhanced framework for public participation in decision-making processes as some of Kenya’s democratic achievements over the years.

Also, Uhuru informed the summit that Kenya had engrained an election culture that has seen regular elections held initially under a single-party regime that gave way to a multi-party system.

"The principle of free and fair elections in every five years is legally enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution and provided for in the Elections Act. Towards this end, my administration is on course to hold the third general election under the 2010 Constitution.”

He expressed concern over the rising political instability on the continent underlined by coups and unconstitutional changes of government contrary to the dictates of democracy.

On regional peace and security, he said Kenya will continue backing international efforts to find sustainable solutions to conflicts and instability plaguing her neighbours.

“Kenya has been at the forefront in peacekeeping operations within the African continent and beyond. Our active participation in peacekeeping is the testimony of our confidence in the crucial role it plays in the restoration of democratic institutions of leadership.”

The president also spoke about Kenya's war against corruption, saying the country had achieved significant milestones during his tenure.