This archive report was first published on 24 December 2021.
December 24, 2021 - Nairobi, Kenya
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has partnered with the National Police Service Commission and other security sector players to implement the Election Security Arrangement Project (ESAP) ahead of the 2022 polls.
Kenya is set to hold its elections on August 9, 2022, in what is expected to be a highly competitive election between Deputy President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga.
IEBC said the inter-agency team was in Kisumu to review and develop election security training material.
"The team is developing a strategy document on public awareness and sensitization campaign on election security, communications draft for sharing with the public and Special Interest Groups," IEBC stated.
According to IEBC, the team also held a planning meeting in Mombasa, high-level discussions between IEBC Commissioners and top leadership of NPSC, and reviewed ESAP Materials, including a handbook on election security, an election security guide, a police role card, a training manual, and a joint implementation plan.
IEBC's move comes amid increased concerns over heightened political tension ahead of the high-stake polls, as President Uhuru Kenyatta's 10-year reign comes to an end.
On October 22, the National Police Service assured its commitment to peaceful 2022 general elections during a high-level meeting between top security players and officials from the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Police Spokesperson Bruno Shioso stated that the meeting, co-chaired by IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati and Inspector General Police Hillary Mutyambai, brought together technical teams from both sides to discuss critical issues and areas of cooperation ahead of the August 9, 2022 general elections.
