20100608
Daily nation

he United States on Tuesday encouraged Kenyans to press on with the reform process, saying it will strengthen democracy and open doors for more American aid and investment.

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Kibaki at State House, Nairobi, US vice-president Joe Biden said: "Putting in place a new constitution, strengthening democracy and the rule of law will further open up doors for more American programs which will bring about more investments.



"We also want to see a peaceful referendum that will further unite Kenyans."

With seven weeks to the referendum, Mr Biden said the wide ranging reforms being undertaken by the government would strengthen democracy and the rule of law.

Mr Biden, the most senior American official to visit independent Kenya, also expressed his delight at the good working relationship between President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

And even as he gave the country a thumbs up for the progress made in implementing the reforms agenda, he remained optimistic that the process, which began after the signing of the National Accord, will be successfully concluded.

"I have never been this optimistic of the country's ability to move the reform process forward... Kenya's best days are yet to come," he said.