verbatim report of constituency public hearings ... - ConstitutionNet

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to the future of Kenya, as a united and indivisible country and composed of people of diverse culture, whose rights are easily
inviolable, the language of the constitution should be simple to be understood by the Kenyan people.
Exceptions to rights should only be coming by where ‘several rights conflict,’ then we need the direct principles of the state
policy.
One: On National philosophy and guiding principles, Gender equality and protection of rights, of the minority are elements of a
just society, all the political regions of the country are entitled to equal development. Children, young people, the elderly, and
other vulnerable groups should be protected. Traditional customs should be guide lights in the society, provided they do not
harm any sector of the society. Of particular importance would be the formation of village councils of elders.
Democratic principles: All belong to the people and are exercised on behalf through representatives, sensitive and
accountable institutions of governance. Constituency and the rule of law must be adhered to. All human beings are equally
entitled to civil, political, economical, social, cultural and developmental rights. Natural resources belong to all citizens. The
natural environment must be protected. Citizens have the right to associate without any hindrance.
Constitutional Supremacy: On constitutional change the constitution must indicate that in the event of overhauling the
constitution, all Kenyans shall be involved. In the event of the amendments, these shall be subject to a referendum before they
are enacted by Parliament. This will keep Kenyans abreast with hitherto development in their constitution.
Human Rights: Every Kenyan shall be guaranteed food, shelter, clean water security health care education and employment.
Every Kenyan shall be entitled to social, economic, political and cultural development. Primary school education should be
made compulsory and free for all Kenyans. Secondary and University education should be accessible to the poor, the bright,
young people. All workers should be guaranteed the rights to Trade Unions representation. Capital punishment and torture
should be outlawed. Kenyans should be guaranteed the freedom of movement association and expression. An independent
Human Rights Commission should be established. The Director of this Commission must be accorded security of tenure.
Minority and underprivileged handicapped and aged, rights must be guaranteed.
Citizenship: All people born in Kenya of parents who are both Kenyans, all children born outside Kenya, of parents who are
both Kenyan citizens, all children born of one Kenyan parent, regardless of gender, spouses of Kenyan citizens, regardless of
gender must be entitled to automatic citizenship even when they are citizens of their own countries. The constitution should allow
dual citizenship. Missionaries should be exempted from any form of taxation.
Land and Property ownership: The government should have power to compulsorily acquire private land for purpose of
development of social amenities e.g. roads, hospitals schools, extraction of minerals, for the purpose of the country’s
development. The owners must be fairly compensated and promptly. The Ministry of Local Authority should have power to