US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Clinton has expressed concern over the way the government was handling governance issues.--------------------------------------------
Clinton however indicated that the US government will not withhold aid if the masterminds of post election violence are not tried, but will instead impose bans on those implicated if the country failed to try them.
Speaking at a public lecture at the University of Nairobi on Thursday, Clinton singled out good governance and democracy as imperative ingredients that will inform the relationship between Kenya and United States.
"Kenya's problems can only be solved by Kenyans themselves. The government has to reform itself and it is imperative for Kenya's future. To unlock the potential the government has to reform itself." Clinton noted.
Clinton who reiterated President Barrack Obama's deep love for Kenya was categorical that nothing short of reforms in these key areas will find a soft landing in America's leadership.
On the fight against impunity, Clinton didn't mince her words on the ICC being the best option if Kenya fails to set up a local tribunal that enjoys trust from the Kenyan people and meets international standards
Mrs. Clinton called on the coalition government to work towards implementation of the reform agenda for sake of achieving economic growth and development in the country.
"Political reforms are vital for this country's economic progress," said Clinton, adding that these reforms can only be developed from within the country and not from any external pressure.
She further noted that corruption in this country is a great hinderance to its economic aspirations and called on the civil society to adopt modern technological methods in arresting corruption issues.
Terrorism
Meanwhile, Clinton has assured America is committed to resolve the issue of terrorism in the world.
Speaking when she laid a wreath at the 1998 bomb blast site, Clinton said Kenya and America will continue partnering to ensure such attacks are not repeated.
"This is an opportunity to renew our resolve and ensure we do all we can so that these attacks don't take more innocent lives in the future," she said.
Mrs. Clinton affirmed that the American government was committed to work with countries willing to stop terrorism.
"We also renew our commitment to peace and reconciliation to all who (renounce) the path of violence," Mrs Clinton said.
She also promised to continue working with victims of the US embassy bombing in1998 saying those who remained stand as a living symbol to remind us of what was lost.
Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula who was present also re-affirmed Kenya's commitment to fight terrorism.
Wetangula further said Kenya will continue working with US to share intelligence and resources to fight terrorism and ensure such attacks are not repeated.
The US Embassy in Kenya was bombed on August 7, 1998, leaving 213 people dead and many others injured.
However, the USA has been non committal to compensate the victims given that the U.S Congress has not passed legislation to authorize special compensation for victims of the 1998 bombings.
Earlier, Clinton who met Somali President Sheik Sheriff Ahmed said the US was taking seriously the threat of the Alshaabab Islamic militants in the region.
She observed that Somali could be a future haven for terrorist activities by the group believed to have links with the Alqaeda movement.
Clinton pledged support for the Transitional federal Government to help the troubled country.
Speaking at a public lecture at the University of Nairobi on Thursday, Clinton singled out good governance and democracy as imperative ingredients that will inform the relationship between Kenya and United States.
"Kenya's problems can only be solved by Kenyans themselves. The government has to reform itself and it is imperative for Kenya's future. To unlock the potential the government has to reform itself." Clinton noted.
Clinton who reiterated President Barrack Obama's deep love for Kenya was categorical that nothing short of reforms in these key areas will find a soft landing in America's leadership.
On the fight against impunity, Clinton didn't mince her words on the ICC being the best option if Kenya fails to set up a local tribunal that enjoys trust from the Kenyan people and meets international standards
Mrs. Clinton called on the coalition government to work towards implementation of the reform agenda for sake of achieving economic growth and development in the country.
"Political reforms are vital for this country's economic progress," said Clinton, adding that these reforms can only be developed from within the country and not from any external pressure.
She further noted that corruption in this country is a great hinderance to its economic aspirations and called on the civil society to adopt modern technological methods in arresting corruption issues.
Terrorism
Meanwhile, Clinton has assured America is committed to resolve the issue of terrorism in the world.
Speaking when she laid a wreath at the 1998 bomb blast site, Clinton said Kenya and America will continue partnering to ensure such attacks are not repeated.
"This is an opportunity to renew our resolve and ensure we do all we can so that these attacks don't take more innocent lives in the future," she said.
Mrs. Clinton affirmed that the American government was committed to work with countries willing to stop terrorism.
"We also renew our commitment to peace and reconciliation to all who (renounce) the path of violence," Mrs Clinton said.
She also promised to continue working with victims of the US embassy bombing in1998 saying those who remained stand as a living symbol to remind us of what was lost.
Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula who was present also re-affirmed Kenya's commitment to fight terrorism.
Wetangula further said Kenya will continue working with US to share intelligence and resources to fight terrorism and ensure such attacks are not repeated.
The US Embassy in Kenya was bombed on August 7, 1998, leaving 213 people dead and many others injured.
However, the USA has been non committal to compensate the victims given that the U.S Congress has not passed legislation to authorize special compensation for victims of the 1998 bombings.
Earlier, Clinton who met Somali President Sheik Sheriff Ahmed said the US was taking seriously the threat of the Alshaabab Islamic militants in the region.
She observed that Somali could be a future haven for terrorist activities by the group believed to have links with the Alqaeda movement.
Clinton pledged support for the Transitional federal Government to help the troubled country.
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