Kenya

The peaceful transition of power after the 2022 elections reinforced Kenya’s reputation for competitive elections and a strong judiciary, even amid disputes over the results. Kenya continues to navigate challenges in governance reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and fostering accountability. These efforts, alongside ongoing debates about economic policies and electoral transparency, position Kenya as both a model of resilience and a reflection of the complexities of democratic consolidation in the region. 

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) partners with Kenyan electoral stakeholders such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), judiciary, and Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), as well as local civil society organizations (CSOs), to support the people of Kenya in holding peaceful and credible elections.  

IFES has worked with Kenyan election management bodies (EMBs) since 1992 to contribute to the evolution of more independent and proficient EMBs and transparent, inclusive, and nonviolent electoral processes in line with global good practice. To further these goals, IFES, as part of the Consortium for Electoral and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), launched the Strengthening Kenya’s Electoral Integrity (SKEI) program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in 2023. Applying lessons from past electoral cycles, SKEI is focused on strengthening the electoral legal framework and nurturing more responsive political and electoral institutions, working hand in hand with Kenyan actors to build public confidence in democratic processes in a sustainable, locally driven way. Throughout SKEI, IFES partners with the IEBC, ORPP, and civil society to strengthen electoral leadership and the transparency and inclusiveness of Kenyan political and electoral processes.  This work builds on past IFES programs in Kenya funded by the UK Foreign, Development, and Commonwealth Office (FCDO), USAID, and Global Affairs Canada.  

By supporting electoral institutions and civil society, IFES seeks to contribute to a shared national foundation for democratic elections and effective governance in Kenya. 

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