“We don’t hear the voice of the Commonwealth loud enough”, says Kenyan Vice President
Posted by AlexT - 11/11/09 at 02:11 pmIn an interview conducted by the RCS as part of the Commonwealth
Conversation, the Kenyan Vice President, Kalonzo Musyoka, has spoken frankly about the need for Commonwealth renewal.
“The Commonwealth is very important to us in Kenya, but it has not been good enough at promoting itself – many people here do not understand what the Commonwealth is, nor how it works.
Kenyans, however, look forward always to the Commonwealth Games.
I have been to meetings of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Cyprus, Scotland and New Zealand and these have all been very valuable. The meetings are very informal and light on protocol – we all get onto the same bus, just like a family. And the leaders have had a unique chance to get to know each other at these gatherings.
The ‘good offices’ of the Secretary General are a vital part of the machinery: when we were in turmoil here after the elections at the end of 2007. The Commonwealth Observer teams could perhaps have been more vocal.
The Commonwealth has the best credentials of any grouping anywhere in the world, but its advocacy role should be more forceful. Many African countries are struggling with poverty, unemployment and shortage of food and medicines, but we don’t hear the voice of the Commonwealth loud enough.
It is a very well-established body but I do feel that it does need a sense of renewal. “
Category : Democracy & Good Governance, The Commonwealth's Relevance, homepage items
Tags: Kenya
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November 12th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I have not heard of the Commonwealth for decades – except for the Games. And I am supposed to be living in the Commonwealth. How is it supposed to be?
November 12th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
There’s been quite a few topics like this recently. The Commonwealth really need to clean up their act with regards public relations. Internet initiatives don’t help when the National Media aren’t on side.
The Commonwealth does a lot of good work that is rarely, if ever, covered in the news. The Secretariat, not to mention the RCS need to build a few links with the mass media. Nobody will see the relevance of an invisible organisation, no matter how hard they work.
November 13th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Sounds very much like the general view of the region. Everyone has heard of the Commonwealth, but struggle to put it into a contemporary context, apart from the Games. Some good PR in the region wouldn’t hurt.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:17 am
If the UK invested half as much effort in the Commonwealth as it does trying to keep the EU happy the Commonwealth would be far better developed as would its constituent countries.
November 15th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
We need effective intergovernmental bodies to solve problems and not to collude with oppressive regimes to propogate injustice.
Commonwealth is actually creating global Democracy Deficit:
Sri Lanka continues to serve as a member of CMAG for a third consecutive term contrary to the 1999 Durban Communiqué that limits a country to a maximum of two consecutive terms while it has been committing atrocious human rights violations condemned by AI, HRW, ICJ, ICG and IBA.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:20 am
I m a Kenyan journalist, I also agree with the vice president, apart from the Commonwealth games, nothing much is heard of commonwealth, the commonwealth require to publicise itself more, I know it plays a big role, but how many people know that apart from a few Kenyan journalists? It is also important to reach out to the rural of its member countries, carry out civic education and familiarise journalists with commonwealth affairs
November 16th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Johnah – From Kenya former RYC.
I totally agree with the Vice president. Personally i have had hard time explaining what the commonwealth means and it’s activities to my fellow Kenyans.
I did attend the commonwealth conversation in Nairobi which was hosted by the British council and high commission, however it is important for commonwealth to beef up it’s advocacy campaigns.
November 17th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Couldnt agree more with the VP.
Though I must say, he could have gone much further in his discussion of election monitoring.
To say the Commonwealth teams could have spoken louder really is stating the obvious.
November 18th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Agreed Mr VP – and this is why members wont give it any funding, or take any notice of it.
November 25th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
The commonwealth at a macro level is doing fine, perfect structures, brilliant cvs at the top in London. But at the micro level there is no presence. None whatsoever, I leave in East Africa and apart from the heads of government meeting which took place and benefited only those in power, nothing else represents the commonwealth.
It is vital for the commonwealth to reach the grassroots, the communities and local population. how can the commonwealth bring people together if they can not reach the people.
September 26th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
My view on the above is in regards to VISA restrictions and bureaucracy at the UK embassies and High Commissions. In Kenya for instance, the UK High Commission is credited for too much bureaucracy when it comes to issuing visas. A genuine visa applicant is subjected to so many questions and documentation and a non-refundable fee(Note that the visa is not always guaranteed).
In my view, CW member states should be given first priority as regards travelling to UK. In any case, the UK govt should waive visa requirements for all its member states.A British national travelling to Kenya only pays the visa fee at the airport,no visa interview!!!!!!!!