The EU yesterday gave the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Sh576 million for the next general election.
The money will be spent on civic education and the mass voter registration exercise that starts on Monday.
The announcement was made yesterday during the signing of a tripartite partnership between the EU, the IEBC and UNDP on strengthening electoral processes in Kenya.
The three institutions said the partnership will facilitate Kenyans’ duty to participate in electoral process, especially next year’s election.
EU Ambassador Stefano Dejak said the amount is double the funding provided in 2013 and will go into the UNDP kitty for supporting Kenyan institutions.
He said the money is for legal and institutional frameworks on elections, voter registration, civic education, security on and after election day and electoral dispute mechanisms.
“This will help make sure the vote of every Kenyan is respected and makes a difference, strengthening Kenya’s young and vibrant democracy,” Dejak said.
He said every Kenyan’s growth and prosperity depends on ensuring political stability and respecting the will of citizens.
“Kenya is fast progressing as one of the leading democratic market economies in Africa. The EU stands firmly as a reliable friend to every Kenyan citizen to make sure their dreams come true,” Dejak said.
UNDP resident representative Michel Balima said the partnership is aimed at facilitating Kenyans’ duty to participate in the electoral process.
“This partnership facilitates inclusion, equity and transparency,” he said.
