Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has said that democracy cannot thrive in the absence of the rule of law.

The Speaker said the entrenchment of the rule of law in politics and systems of governance is a key element in cushioning democracy on the continent.

“If the rule of law reigns, democracy thrives,” Speaker Kingi said, adding failure to respect the rule of law undermines democracy.

The Speaker made the remarks on Wednesday when he hosted Dr Stefanie Rothenberger, the Director of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung who is in charge of the Rule of Law Programme for Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa.

The meeting explored avenues for partnership and collaboration between the two institutions to enhance the capacity of legal and judicial systems in the region. 

Dr Rothenberger briefed the Speaker on the activities being carried out by Konrad Adenauer and revealed that they have organised a major conference on the rule of law.

The conference, to be held between May 2nd and 3rd, 2023 will bring together Parliaments from the sub-Saharan Africa to discuss ways of promoting peace and stability in the African continent.

“We invite you to the Conference,” Dr Rothenberger told the Speaker, “We want you, and indeed the Senators, to participate fully and It will be a great honour to us if you deliver the closing remarks.”

Dr Rothenberger said Kenya’s influence has fostered good governance, the rule of law and constitutionalism within the region and urged the Kenya Parliament to keep up the spirit.’

The Speaker welcomed the idea behind the conference pointing out that its focus is of great interest to Members of Parliament.

Kenya has an elaborate and forward-looking constitution, noted the Speaker, but there are freedoms, liberties and rights that Kenyans cannot enjoy.

“There is no point of having a good constitution that cannot be implemented to the letter and spirit,” Mr Kingi told his guest. 

“The conference should explore ways in which we can surmount the challenges that limit the enjoyment of freedoms, rights and liberties as a continent,” he added, adding that the Senate appreciates the role KAS plays in promoting democracy and promised to fully support the programme.