Kenya's mediators says research firm to monitor reforms
24/9/2008 17:40
Kenya's mediators who brokered a power sharing agreement early this year
following the disputed presidential elections have engaged a research firm to
monitor the implementation of recommendations and agreements by the National
Dialogue Committee.
A statement from the chairman of the Panel of Eminent
African Personalities, Kofi Annan, said the team engaged South Consulting, a
Kenyan firm, to ensure timely implementation of the agreements and
reforms.
"Given the importance of the timely and effective implementation of
the agreements and reforms, there is a need to ensure broad awareness of what
progress has been achieved and what constraints have been encountered," Annan
said.
"Towards this end, the Panel has engaged South Consulting, a Kenyan
research firm, to independently monitor the implementation process. South will
issue periodic reports to the Panel, which will be shared with the Coalition
Government and the public.
Annan who had been on a week-long visited to Kenya
said that like many Kenyans he was happy with the work and recommendations of
the Independent Review Commission (IREC).
South will issue periodic reports
to the Panel, which will be shared with the Coalition Government and the
public," Annan, the former UN Secretary-General said after he flew out of the
country yesterday. The move comes amid fears that the Government was dragging
its feet in implementing the agreements.
Annan said he would remain engaged
in the process, adding the Panel will maintain a secretariat in Nairobi, called
the Co- ordination and Liaison Office. He expressed optimism over progress made
in the restoration of peace.
"I intend to remain engaged and will be visiting
the country periodically. "In my discussions with President Kibaki and Prime
Minister Odinga, they reassured me of their commitment to implement the
agreements and reforms.But all Kenyans must play their part, too," he
said.
There are outstanding tasks from earlier National Dialogue agreements
as well, including those on reconciliation and the resettlement of the
internally displaced people.
"The calm that has been restored should not lead
to a loss of momentum in efforts to advance reforms agreed upon under Agenda
Item Four of the National Dialogue. Critical challenges include constitutional
reform, land reform, youth unemployment and national cohesion," said
Annan.
The Establishment of Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission and
the Establishment of Ethnic Relations Bills that emanated from the mediation
talks are yet to be discussed in Parliament.
President Kibaki and Odinga
formed a power-sharing government in April, after both claimed victory in the
December elections.
Xinhua
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