IEBC to get Sh112m from Italy for August polls
What you need to know:
- The partnership will also facilitate the implementation of the electoral agency’s roadmap to the August General Election, under the guiding principles of inclusion, equity, transparency, results orientation and collaboration.
- Under the tripartite agreement, which comes through the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) — Strengthening Electoral Processes in Kenya — project aims to help in IEBC’s legislative frameworks, citizen participation in elections, and electoral dispute resolution.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to get Sh112 million financial boost towards its preparation for the August General Election.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Italy’s Ambassador to Kenya Mauro Massoni said that his government has pledged the cash to strengthen the electoral body’s institutional capacity to help it effectively prepare for the elections.
Under the tripartite agreement, which comes through the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) — Strengthening Electoral Processes in Kenya — project aims to help in IEBC’s legislative frameworks, citizen participation in elections, and electoral dispute resolution.
“The aim of this common effort – Italy joins other donors in this initiative – is also to reach out to the Kenyan citizens and guarantee the inclusion of women, youths and persons with disability, both to vote and to be elected,” said Mr Massoni.
VISION 2030
The partnership will also facilitate the implementation of the electoral agency’s roadmap to the August General Election, under the guiding principles of inclusion, equity, transparency, results orientation and collaboration.
On his part, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative to Kenya Siddharth Chatterjee said that the electoral assistance project was strategic as it contributes to Kenya’s development objectives under Vision 2030.
He also said that it will help with electoral preparedness as well as the electoral process itself reinforcing national values espoused in the Constitution of Kenya on patriotism, national unity, sharing, participation, inclusion, equality, and observance of human rights and the rule of law.
“A credible election process can only take place if democratic institutions are well managed, supported and nurtured. Developing capacities and capabilities as well as strengthening election management bodies, is therefore, crucial,” said Mr Chatterjee.
