Kenya: U.S. VP Sees Reforms Success

Dave Opiyo| 8 June 2010| Daily Nation|

Vice President Joe Biden meets with Prime Minister Raila Odinga, left, and President Mwai Kibaki to show support for Kenya's democracy and reforms.

Nairobi — United States Vice President Joe Biden has said he is optimistic that Kenya’s reform process will be successfully concluded.

Mr Biden said the US wants to see Kenya conduct a peaceful referendum that will leave the country united.

“We encourage the reform process. We want to see the country grow. Kenya’s best days are yet to come,” he said during a press briefing at State House, Nairobi Tuesday after holding talks with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The US VP said he was impressed by the relationship between the two principals saying if they kept the reform agenda burning Kenya would definitely prosper.

Mr Biden restated the US Government’s commitment to working closely with Kenya to deepen democracy and strengthen the rule of law in Kenya.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to advancing the projects for peaceful and prosperous future for Kenya,” he said.

Proper governance

But, he warned that the US would only consider increasing their investment in Kenya if there is proper governance.

Vice-President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, arrive in Nairobi with his granddaughter, Maisy.

President Kibaki said Kenya appreciates United States’ help in the agriculture, health and security sector and urged for increased support in water, transport, energy and housing.

Mr Biden also said that the US will help Kenya in securing her borders especially with Somalia, where piracy and the threat of Islamic militia are thorny issues. He said that Kenya was an important destination in the region and its security was paramount.

“Stabilisation of Somalia is a high priority in our common efforts to secure regional peace and stability. Both the United States and Kenya are concerned about the growing acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia, and the instability caused in Somalia by extremist groups.

Vice-President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, arrive in Nairobi with his granddaughter, Maisy.

“This matter must be addressed with greater urgency. We have asked the US Government to provide leadership to forge a concerted international effort to stabilise Somalia,” said President Kibaki.

He said that he will deliver a keynote address to Kenyans on Wednesday.

Present during the meeting were Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy PM’s Musalia Mudavadi and Uhuru Kenyatta.

Cabinet ministers George Saitoti (Internal Security), Sally Kosgei (Agriculture), Moses Wetangula (Foreign), Mutula Kilonzo (Justice) and Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura were also present.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson and ambassador Michael Ranneberger also attended the meeting.