By CLAIRE GATHERU 

The Constitution of Kenya Review Commission starts a countrywide tour next week to collect views from the public.

The commissioners will visit all districts to meet constituency committees and hold discussions with civic education providers and community based organisations.

Speaking at the Holy Family Minor Basilica, the commission's secretary, Mr P.L.O Lumumba, said: "We are embarking on a countrywide tour to collect and collate views of Kenyans on the constitution they want. We have a responsibility to ensure that the rights of all, young or old, are remembered and respected."

Mr Lumumba observed that the current constitution was not clear on children's rights.

He, however, said the Children's Cabinet was clearly articulating their rights which would be given priority. 

The Commission secretary was giving the keynote address to mark the 4th Anniversary of the Global March Against Child Labour and Dr Martin Luther King Junior Day.

On the recently enacted Children's Act, Mr Lumumba said the Bill had received Presidential Assent and was now law. 

"The Act requires the government to undertake all the necessary steps to ensure free compulsory education is achieved. The Education Ministry should come out and spell out the right channels towards the achievement of free education for all children below 18 years," he said.

Mr Lumumba noted that the Act empowered the children to strive to achieve their rights to become future citizens.

The Bill also makes it a criminal offence for parents to fail to take their children to school.

Mr Lumumba said the problem facing the country was not lack of legislation but a weakness at the level of implementation. 

"Children are now rising up and seeking a new meaning and interpretation of the law and what it entails. We must commend them for demanding to be given a fair share of education and living up to the words of Martin Luther King that without education the rights of all groups cannot be realised," he said.

The CKRC on Tuesday released a programme detailing the districts visits from January 21 to 30.

Last week, the commission launched constituency review committees in Nairobi to mobilise and sensitise the public to air their views.