US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday he was pleased to see progress in reforming
Kenya's electoral commission.
Kerry urged that differences be resolved through peaceful means in lead up to the 2017 elections.
"Let me just emphasise that holding a free and fair, peaceful credible election is a critical step in consolidating
Kenya's democracy," he told a news conference.
He said that the United States would provide $25 million (Sh2.5 billion) this year to help prepare for the vote.
Preparations for the election on August 8, 2017 saw the opposition hold weekly protests for the forceful removal of commissioners.
Cord leader Raila Odinga accused them of corruption and said they lacked the ability to manage the election.
The protests ended with the formation of the joint parliamentary select committee which discussed reforms including the exit of the commissioners by September 30.
The committee recommended that the number of commissioners be reduced from 9 to 7 and serve on full time basis.
They further advised that the roles and responsibilities of commissioners and the secretariat be clearly defined.
The team also recommended the amendment of the constitution to allow commissioners voluntarily exit of the electoral commissioners.
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