Use the Browser BACK button to return to listings

Nairobi, November 29, 2004

President Mwai Kibaki poses for a photograph with the management board of the Federation of Kenya Employers at State House, Nairobi. The Federation was led by Mr. Amiram Mbui.

Community policing key to fight against insecurity

President Mwai Kibaki has assured the public that the government would continue allocating enough resources to empower security agencies in the fight against crime in the country.

The President said that his government had already fulfilled one of its pledges to increase the remuneration of members serving in the police force as a motivation to staff.

The President, however, noted that community policing remained the key to curbing insecurity.

"The government may avail resources and empower security forces, but the biggest fight must come from the people, who should report to the police any suspected criminals so as to pre-empt crime," President Kibaki said.

He added: "We must assist the police by being more pro-active in society, because every community knows who the criminals are, and which strangers visit areas with the intent of committing a crime."

President Kibaki also said that Kenya would soon reap a peace dividend when the Somali government is fully operational.

He noted that the proliferation of arms into the country had greatly contributed to insecurity, but pointed out that a solution was in sight following the election of the Somali parliament and the swearing in of President Abdulahi Yusuf.

President Kibaki further said that the adherence to the rule of law was the cornerstone of the country's safety and told Kenyans to uphold the dignity of the law.

The President made the remarks when he met the management board of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) who paid him a courtesy call at State House Nairobi.

The Head of State said the government was not keen on raising additional taxes to fund its operations since such a move would be counter-productive.

"Additional taxes only burden the consumers. Over-taxation does not work. As government we want to pursue a model of development that empowers employees, consumers, and employers. What we need is to increase economic growth and create employment for our people, because we clearly understand that opportunities keep our people away from mischief," added the President.

The President informed the board on progress made towards East African integration, noting that the move would create more opportunities for Kenyans.

"On January 1st next year, the East African Customs Union comes into effect. Let us embrace the union and begin to see this as a single market. Those who embrace the union quickly will also be the first to gain from opportunities that will come with it," said the Head of State.

President Kibaki also informed the F.K.E. board that roads construction around the country would begin in earnest since funds were now available.

The President said that the government appreciated that infrastructure development would help bring down the cost of doing business in the country.

He assured the private sector that the Government is doing everything possible to create a conducive environment for investment.

In this regard, the President said the Government welcomes ideas and is prepared to discuss with investors practical ways that will make it easy and profitable to invest in the country.

He, however, urged them to be fully involved and work with the Government in addressing the problems they might be facing in their investment activities.

"We share the same goal of creating wealth for the country thus we encourage you to be more involved in everything that we do including changing laws that make it difficult for investment to thrive," the President said.

He added: "We can achieve a lot if we embrace dialogue and discuss investment issues freely."

Stressing that the Government was open to ideas from the private sector, President Kibaki said investors should provide detailed information on what can be done to improve operations in their sectors of investment.