The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) is committed to concluding its work within the next two months, top officials have said.
Amb. Martin Kimani, BBI joint Secretary and Prof. Adams Oloo, Vice Chair, said the initiative, launched by President Kenyatta and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga in August last year was committed to finalising its countrywide sittings and compiling its report within the period.
Speaking in Siaya town when the BBI held a citizens’ engagement forum on Tuesday, the officials said Kenyans had shown a lot of optimism for the better future.
They added that the ordinary wananchi wanted a peaceful country where people were honest, peaceful and of high integrity.
Oloo said they had held sittings in 34 of the 47 counties and what was emerging in each public engagement forum was the need for more public participation in the political leadership.
“The public want a system of governance that is honest and embraces high integrity,” said Oloo.
Amb. Kimani said they were optimistic that the process will pass the test of time, adding that they were committed to giving Kenyans the best so as to put a stop to perennial civil unrest after each general election.
Siaya Governor, Cornel Rasanga called for a three tier governance structure instead of the current two-tier that has the county and national governments.
He said the introduction of regional governments will make administration easier, adding that the BBI should further make recommendations that will ensure the strengthening of devolution.
Rasanga further called for more devolution of the security machinery, adding that the security committees should be chaired by the local residents.
The governor called for full implementation of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) so as to reduce conflicts in the country.
The citizens’ engagement forum was also attended by the Siaya County Commissioner, Michael Ole Tialal and Busia Senator, Amos Wako among others.
By Philip Onyango/Dennis Otieno
