IFES Statement on the Kenya Electoral Assistance Program
The following is a statement from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES):
“IFES’ Kenya Electoral Assistance Program (KEAP) is funded by a US $18.7 million cooperative agreement from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support Kenyan efforts toward peaceful, credible and inclusive 2017 elections.
KEAP supports the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and key electoral institutions; promotes the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in the political process; encourages domestic observation activities; and assists conflict mitigation efforts.
All KEAP funds received by IFES have been and will be used for these purposes.
IFES is an independent organization with a 30-year track record of providing impartial technical assistance to improve the electoral cycle in developing and mature democracies. IFES’ work is based on international election standards and best practices that are widely accepted by election management authorities around the world.
As a global leader in democracy promotion, IFES advances democratic rights by providing technical assistance to election stakeholders, empowering the underrepresented to participate in the political process, and applying field-based research to improve the electoral cycle.
Since 1987, IFES has supported credible and inclusive political processes in 21 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and more than 145 countries worldwide. IFES has supported democratic development in Kenya since 2002, and leverages a deep understanding of the Kenyan political context to execute impactful, impartial and relevant programming.
KEAP plans to distribute up to US $2 million in Innovation Grants to Kenyan civil society organizations aimed at increasing the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities, mitigating conflict and promoting peaceful participation in the electoral process.
IFES is registered with the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice’s Registrar of Companies in Kenya. In accordance with Kenyan law, IFES is fully compliant with financial disclosures.”
Supporting Statements:
Heads of Mission in Kenya on International Support for Kenya’s 2017 Elections –
https://ke.usembassy.gov/joint-statement-international-support-2017-elections/
U.S. Ambassador Robert F. Godec –
https://ke.usembassy.gov/ambassador-godecs-statement-election-support/
Kenyan Civil Society Organizations –
https://twitter.com/SIDKDP/status/811178467488169984/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
United Nations Statement on United Nations Support to the Electoral Process in Kenya –
http://www.ke.undp.org/content/kenya/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2016/statement-on-united-nations-support-to-the-electoral-process-in-.html
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IFES supports citizens’ right to participate in free and fair elections. Our independent expertise strengthens electoral systems and builds local capacity to deliver sustainable solutions. Since 1987, IFES has worked in over 145 countries – from developing democracies, to mature democracies. For more information, visit www.IFES.org.
CONTACT:
Daniela Colaiacovo, dcolaiacovo@ifes.org, +1 (202) 350-6802
