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Kenya to begin the hard work of creating a new republic

Kenya is still rejoicing over the adoption of a new constitution. There's a general wave of excitement over what the "birth of a second republic" will look like, reports MNN.

Dale Dieleman with Worldwide Christian Schools says their team is pondering their own future within that picture, with the country at a crossroads. "There's this cautious optimism, and yet I think they are going to be very observant and still participate in influencing parliament and wanting to have a voice in that process."

Government reports say that more than 72 percent of registered voters went to the polls. Those numbers are the strongest turnout for a national vote in Kenya's history.

A lot was riding on the vote. The Kenyan Church was vocal in its opposition to certain provisions in the draft, specifically over abortion on demand, a devolution of power from the presidency, and special conditions that create Islamic courts.

Dieleman says those issues remain on the table. "Going forward, there are concerns, because everything hasn't been hammered out to their satisfaction."

Analysts have wondered if the door opening to Islamic courts might eventually equal a loss of freedom to practice or share the Christian faith. "The presence of Islamic courts won't be immediately felt." However, Dieleman says, there is cause for concern." I think what we have observed in other countries in Africa where there's been more and more Islamic presence, is that in local elections, in deciding local issues--particularly concerning the courts and how justice is delivered and dispensed, we have seen discrimination against schools, against churches, against Christians in business."

There's still pressure on the politicians to implement the constitution and maintain peace, especially as the legislation lays ground rules over land rights issues.

It's too early to make any predictions on impact, but Dieleman remains hopeful. "I haven't heard from our partners any major outcry of concern. I think as Kenyans, they want to be supportive of the government and of the new referendum, especially going ahead with really being a new country, founded on a new constitution. They want to be supportive of that."

No one has forgotten the storm of protest following the 2007 national election, in which land rights and tribal politics took center stage. The landslide win gives the government the mandate they need to get to work on reforming the post-independence system.

WWCS works with three schools in Kenya: Kameris Christian School in Alale, Konza Teacher's College in Konza, and the SUD Academy in Nairobi. Student sponsorships help the students stay in school, and the schools are growing at a fast pace.

The ministry collaborates with other churches and groups to develop Christ-centered schools that can sustain themselves. Their vision: to glorify God by ensuring that all children have access to Christ-centered education.

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TAGS: Kenya new constitution Dale Dieleman Worldwide Christian Schools the Kenyan Church Islamic courts

[08/09/2010]

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