Why the New Constitution is important for Kenya

Yes, thats right. This is my political opinion. Miracles do happen. So these are the reasons I think this new Constitution is important to Kenyans. (For those of you who don't know that there is a new constitution in Kenya, well, now you know.)

1.     1.  Because its new

Let’s face it, anything ‘new’, ‘different’, ‘changed’, ‘innovative’ or ‘fresh’ is desirable for regular Kenyans who are tired of the same old hustle...whether it is a new road, new song or new constitution. Apparently Kenya is the first country in Africa to adopt a completely new constitution…all the others have been AMENDING theirs..(big deal, I whisper). So this makes them special. Another reason to prance around tomorrow.

2.      2. Because its down with the machete and up with the Kenyan flag

The last time Kenyans congregated as a country to vote for something there was violence which shook the continent and world from inside out. This caused a lot of concerns for the future of democracy in this leader of its region. Although there are still tribal tendencies and small extremist groups here and there on a whole the referendum was generally peaceful and this was a huge step in the right direction. The constitution celebrates political maturity and hope for a unified Kenya.

It can be argued though that a referendum where people are required to vote for an idea as compared to an election where people are required to vote for a person is less controversial. If this attitude can be adopted in the 2012 elections that would be grand, thank you.

3.     3.  Because it means another holiday

Kenyans and holidays. There is always a holiday for something. The day they became independent, the day they really became independent, the day they became a republic, the day they really became a republic. All these are different days spread out evenly in the year so you can go to the village regularly. And of course they chose a Friday. Long weekend! And this one will be grand! The organizers are closing down all major roads, manning the streets with army men including bomb-specialists (this has become an issue). But they’v gone overboard with closing down all borders. Ati to prevent terrorists from coming in. Okay, think about it, if you were a terrorist would you travel to the target country on the day of the hit? Just concentrate on the bomb specialists guys.

4.     4.  Because it will be on TV

I’ve always told my Kenyan friends that they think they are the USA of Africa. Firstly they were blessed with Barack Obama. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we’ve heard it a thousand times and seen the barber shops with his pictures. But now, the new constitution has a position of governors and senator. I think the ‘senator’ is particularly exciting for Kenyans coz its that much closer to Obama’s story. Everyone thinks ‘they can’. Wyclef Jean should have been Kenyan.

But besides that this event will be televised all over the world as a great achievement, and it is. This is a regular Kenyans opportunity to be seen in Uhuru Park on CNN et al for something positive. It will be a proud moment for them.

5.      5. Because its a step closer to true democracy

The basic idea of the new constitution is that there will be less power for the president and more power for the people. There will be new positions of power like the aforesaid senators and governors. Ministers will be professionals and not just appointed members of parliament. This means opportunities to lead will have increased dramatically. There’s also county system. Don’t ask me to explain that (that’s now knowing too much). Judiciary will be more independent. The gap between executive and legislature will reduce. Yay, for democracy!

6.      6. Because it means a more liberal nation

Now gay people can hold hands.

7.    7.   Because its Kenya

Anything coming from this beautiful country has to be blown out of proportion. It’s a country that gets obsessed over themes. Whatever the media decides. But politics takes centre stage. Its normal to watch a news bulletin of a chair being thrown at the Speaker of Parliament. This headline wouldn’t die easily. Everyone and his askari has strong political opinions. Even I have become a political analyst. Totally amazing.

Meanwhile top story in the UK: Woman throws cat in the dustbin. Poor Lola.

8.      8. Because it means a glamorous State lunch

You can imagine how much money is being spent on this event. 6 billion shillings was estimated but 20 million shillings so far was raised. (are they giving a gold medal to each and every citizen?) But there will be a grand luncheon at the state house and all the who’s who of the world are invited.

9.      9. Because many new songs have been sung

Nameless and some other popular musical artists have come together to sing a song. Of course. The writer of the song is happy that all the artists have memorized the words and is glad with the progress they have made in the last couple of days. It is called ‘Oh Kenya’.  What a surprise.

10.  10. Because it means your vote can change stuff

Finally the people’s votes reflect positively. Most people seem happy. The Prime Ministers position will be gone by 2012 but he expects to be President by then so he doesn’t care. The current President can sense the end anyway. All the ministers want to run for Senator. The MP, governors. And the rest ministers. There is something for everyone. And its refreshing to see the dream of democracy realized. Kenya can really teach the rest of this continent something.

We are yet to see if the implementation of this new constitution will ensue successfully. There are financial implications and also the attitude of people towards their new leaders is a concern. Kenya will need responsible people in power who will lead their counties humbly with transparency.

On the whole: The New Constitution of Kenya is a good thing. And i'm proud to be here when it happens.