§ 26. Miss Vickersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in preparing the draft of a new Constitution for Kenya.
§ Mr. SandysThe broad framework of the new Constitution was agreed at the Kenya Consititutional Conference earlier this year. The filling in of the details of the settlement of outstanding issues was left to the National Government of Kenya in consultation with the British Government. During his visit to Kenya in July, my predecessor decided that, although a number of important policy issues had still to be resolved, the drafting of a Constitution could begin. This was put in hand at once.
The drafting of this lengthy and complicated Constitution, which contains many features for which there are no exact precedents, has proved an onerous task. Six of about fourteen chapters have been sent to Kenya for consideration by Kenya Ministers and one has already been received back with their comments. A further chapter is being despatched on Friday and the remainder will follow as quickly as possible.
§ Miss VickersIn view of the many changes 'likely to take place in Kenya in the near future, does my right hon. Friend intend to go there to see matters for himself?
§ Mr. SandysI am planning to go to Kenya early in February. After consultation with the Governor, I am satis- 190 fied that that would be the most useful moment when a number of these issues will be ripe for discussion and, I hope, decision.