Foreign Missions Welcome New IEBC Team

A coalition of foreign embassies and high commissions has welcomed the appointment of Kenya’s new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) team, emphasising the crucial role the commission plays in upholding democratic integrity and constitutional order.

In a joint statement issued on July 15, 2025, ambassadors and high commissioners representing countries including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, and several others congratulated the newly sworn-in IEBC chairperson and six commissioners.

The statement underscored the importance of independent, impartial, and well-resourced electoral institutions in strengthening Kenya’s democracy.

“As Kenya’s longstanding partners and fellow democracies, we affirm the critical role independent institutions play in upholding the provisions of Kenya’s Constitution,” the statement read.

“The IEBC plays a foundational role in safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s electoral processes and ensuring public confidence in democratic outcomes.”

A Vote of Confidence

The envoys expressed confidence in the new commission’s ability to deliver on its mandate with “impartiality, transparency, and professionalism” and urged all stakeholders, including Parliament and the National Treasury, to ensure the IEBC receives adequate and timely funding.

Such support, they noted, is essential for the commission to operate independently and prepare effectively for the 2027 General Election cycle.

The joint statement also called for renewed efforts by relevant Kenyan institutions to ensure universal voter registration and inclusive participation. This comes amid ongoing concerns over low youth registration rates and the need to clean and update the voter register.

The diplomats emphasised the importance of ensuring that “all eligible citizens can register as voters and participate in the electoral process,” reinforcing the idea that credible elections begin with inclusive voter rolls.

While acknowledging Kenya’s sovereign leadership over its democratic processes, the diplomatic missions pledged continued partnership and support to strengthen electoral systems and public trust.

“We stand ready, working in partnership, to further strengthen electoral systems and bolster public trust in Kenya’s democratic institutions,” the statement concluded.

The joint declaration was endorsed by the diplomatic missions of Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, The United Kingdom, The United States, Sweden and Finland.

Their collective message aligns with growing calls from Kenyan civil society, religious groups, and legal experts for electoral transparency, institutional reform, and adequate funding of democratic processes.

As Kenya enters a new electoral cycle, the international community appears poised to play a supportive—but watchful role in ensuring the country’s democracy not only survives, but thrives.

Read: Six Urgent Tasks That Lay Ahead For New IEBC Commissioners

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