Parliament Speakers engage UoN community on the Constitution

Abstract

‘It is the role of every Kenyan to uphold and implement the Constitution.’

This was the message echoed during a public lecture held at the University of Nairobi, by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Justin Muturi and the Speaker of the Senate, Hon. Ekwee Ethuro while discussing the role of the parliament of Kenya in the implementation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

While sharing his thoughts and insights on the topic, Hon. Muturi took the audience through the journey of the development of the constitution dating back to 1992. He highlighted the importance of politicians constantly consulting academia and experts’ opinions while serving in various parliamentary committees. It was noted that although Parliament has faced different challenges in implementing the Constitution, Kenyans should be assured of Parliament’s commitment to deliver on their mandate.

On his part, Hon. Ethuro commended the University of Nairobi for being the first government agency to take the initiative to implement the constitution. He urged Kenyans to understand the Constitution and be part of the implementation process.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha said that the discussion with the Parliament affirms the University’s consultative and integrative approach with key stakeholders in the task of sensitizing the University community on the constitution. He added that involvement of partners in the process is one way of practicing the “Nyumba kumi” initiative at the corporate level.

Among the issues raised by the audience included the challenges being faced in the implementation of the Constitution, issues of an uneasy truce between the public demands and the interests of politicians undermining the provisions of the Constitution, gender inequities in various entities as well as the challenge equal employment opportunities in the Counties.

The lecture held in Taifa Hall, is part of the activities undertaken by the University to enlighten students, staff and alumni on the contents of the Constitution 2010.