Kindiki Assures Development Partners of Free and Fair 2027 Elections

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured development partners and the international community that Kenya will hold free, fair and verifiable elections in 2027, reaffirming the government's commitment to the Constitution, democracy and the rule of law.

Speaking on Wednesday during the 15th Development Partnership Forum (DPF) at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, Prof. Kindiki said the country would conduct the next General Election within the constitutional timeline and without shortcuts.

“We want to assure our partners that the Government of Kenya under President Ruto believes in democracy, rule of law and all the other things that underpin our constitutional order. We want to assure the world that Kenya will have free, fair and verifiable elections next year,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President said Kenya has a long-standing tradition of conducting elections as provided for under the Constitution and maintained that the 2027 polls would uphold that tradition.

Government Rules Out Election Shortcuts

Kindiki emphasized that there would be no compromise on the credibility of the 2027 election, urging development partners interested in supporting democracy and electoral activities to work through established procedures.

He encouraged partners to support the country's independent electoral institutions, civil society organisations and accredited election-observation initiatives.

“There will be no compromise on the credibility of the election,” the Deputy President said, adding that partners could participate by supporting the electoral referee, civil society or election observation efforts through formal channels.

He also said Kenyans would continue to enjoy freedoms guaranteed under the law as the country prepares for the polls, describing Kenya as a vibrant democracy with an active public discourse across traditional and social media.

Mudavadi Reaffirms Constitutional Election Timelines

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also reaffirmed the government's commitment to holding the elections on schedule.

Mudavadi said Kenya had established a tradition of conducting elections in accordance with the Constitution and would maintain that practice during the next electoral cycle.

“We have had a tradition of ensuring our elections are held on schedule. We do not intend to breach the tradition we have already established,” he said.

Development Partners Urged to Support El Niño Preparedness

Beyond elections, Kindiki called on development partners to support the government's preparations for forecasted El Niño rains expected from October.

He said a multi-agency preparedness team had been established and urged partners to consider redirecting some resources towards humanitarian preparedness and resilience programmes.

“I call upon the development partners to see whether they can re-programme some of their resources around humanitarian and resilience programmes to help us converge efforts on preparations to mitigate loss and damage,” he said.

The appeal comes as government agencies prepare for potential weather-related risks and seek to strengthen coordination with humanitarian and development organisations.

Forum Focuses on Youth Opportunities

The 15th Development Partnership Forum focused on youth and development, with discussions centred on how government and development partners can create more opportunities for young Kenyans.

Kindiki said development partnerships should translate into tangible opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, skills development, access to finance, innovation and the digital economy.

He highlighted government programmes including National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA), Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET), Kazi Kwa Ground, Kazi Mtandaoni and Kazi Majuu, saying the initiatives had helped hundreds of thousands of young people access employment and economic opportunities.

“We are advancing an employment strategy designed to equip young people with relevant skills, expand access to jobs and enterprise opportunities, and position them to participate meaningfully in Kenya’s economic transformation,” Kindiki said.

The forum brought together government officials, development partners, international and humanitarian agencies, independent offices and commissions, with United Nations Resident Coordinator Dr Garry Conille and German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth serving as co-chairs alongside Kindiki.

As Kenya moves towards the 2027 General Election, the government's assurances on electoral preparedness and credibility are expected to remain a key issue for development partners, political actors and the wider public.