President Mwai Kibaki has banned Cabinet Ministers and their Assistants from traveling abroad until debate on the new constitution is over.

President Kibaki said the government is keen to ensure that the country gets a new constitution as per the laid down schedule.

The directive was communicated by the Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura through government spokesman Alfred Mutua.

"The Government is keen to ensure that the country gets a new constitution as per the set schedule" read a circular dated last Friday and released by the Government on Monday.

The move is aimed at ensuring ministers attended House sessions.

Parliament has powers to make amendments on the revised draft and MPs have 30 days to debate it after which it would be published and subjected to a national referendum.

Any amendment to the proposed Constitution requires a two thirds majority.

And in an effort to fight graft ,the President also directed all government offices to amend to open plan spaces and workstations with an exception of officers on Job group S and above. 

He further reiterated his directive banning all public offices from purchasing furniture abroad.

In the circular, Kibaki said "  public officials are encouraged to buy high quality furniture and other locally made items, directly from Jua Kali artisans, manufacturers and shops and to avoid using middlemen who inflate the cost of the items.

He warned procurement officers who undertake purchases that rip off the Government and tax payers' money that they will be held accountable.

The  government has pumped half a billion shillings into the local economy with an aim of boosting the country's  local manufacturers.

Dr Mutua said the directives take effect immediately.