REMARKS BY HON. PROF. GITHU MUIGAI, EGH, SC, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING THE NATIONAL CIVIC EDUCATION REFLECTION, CONFERENCE KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE (KICC) 14-15TH AUGUST 2013 2) Page‘The Chairperson of URAIA TRUST. The UNDP County Representative, The High Com ioners, Ambassadors, and Members of the Diplomatic Community present, The Representatives of Development Partners Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, We are gathered here for the next two days to reflect on the role that civic education has played in contributing to good governance and freedom enjoyed in Kenya, During the next two days the participants in this 3 [Page conference will share experiences. lessons learnt and best practices in the delivery of civic education. This conference will also interrogate the effectiveness of the strategies and methodologies used during the implementation of the Civic education, Civic engagement, and Voter education programme. Ladies and gentlemen, ‘The enactment of the Constitution in 2010 necessitated massive and rapid transformation of the Kenyan society and its institutions of governance. The Constitution acknowledges that all sovereign power belongs to the people 4| Page‘of Kenya.and is to be exercised only in accordance with the Constitution. Furthermore, the Constitution provides for the national values and principles of governance, which bind state organs and all persons whenever they enact, apply or implement any public policy decisions. The national values include inter alia the participation of the people, inclusiveness, and equality, and non-discrimination. Ladies and gentlemen, ‘The new governance paradigm requires an informed citizenry, responsive and accountable institutions of governance. It is imperative therefore, that Patticipation by the citizens in the affairs of the state be based on accurate, 5] Page timely and sustained holistic civic education supported by a new civic culture that recognizes the notion of rights and responsibilities, Ladies and gentlemen, Civil society and religious organizations have played a major role in providing civic education in Kenya. They are able to use their expertise on various thematic issues to educate Kenyans. | take this opportunity to thank these organizations for a job well done. 6 [Page