News

Political Parties Act to be enacted in July, KBC (2008)

Meeting under the chairmanship of President Mwai Kibaki at State House Nairobi, the cabinet advised members of the political parties who constitute the grand coalition government to caucus with their respective parliamentary groups, advise accordingly and come up with an amicable solution to the issue.

Battle lines drawn in Embakasi by-election, KBC (2008)

The Embakasi by-election slated for June 11 alongside four others appears to have set the stage for what yet again promises to be a bruising battle, pitting the country's two political power houses, PNU and ODM. Embakasi constituency has already attracted a massive number of aspirants from PNU and ODM.

Kenyan political parties spend billions, The Monitor (2008)

Major political parties spent about Sh5.6 billion in campaigns for last year’s general election, a new report has revealed.

ECK ‘ready for by-elections’, Daily Nation (2008)

The by-elections will be held on June 11 in five constituencies and 52 wards countrywide.

MPs urged to speed up constitution process, KBC (2008)

Deputy Prime Minister, Musalia Mudavadi and parliament speaker, Kenneth Marende say the coalition government will ensure that Kenyans have a new constitution within the next one-year. The leaders called for a speedy review and enactment of a new constitution saying it would address some of the thorny issues.

President appoints commission to probe into disputed election, KBC (2008)

President Mwai Kibaki has appointed a Commission of Inquiry to inquire into all aspects of the General Election held on 27th December 2007, with particular emphasis on the Presidential Election.

Review commission meets ECK officials,KBC (2008)

Krieglar said the commission is keenly studying documents available to it with an aim of understanding the magnitude of the crisis that caused the deaths of over 1000 people and displaced about 500,000 others. The committee however toured ECK offices at Anniversary Towers where they held discussions with ECK officials.

Inquiry into disputed presidential polls begins, KBC (2008)

The seven-member Independent Review Committee is discussing the program of its operations at a Nairobi hotel.The seven-member committee has already been gazetted and is expected to commence its work within thirty days for the next three months.

Election petition filed against the South Mugirango postponed yet again, KBC (2008)

The hearing of an election petition filed against the South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara was once again postponed after the legislator filed another appeal stating that since he had not been properly served, he had a time limitation preparing for the case.

No clear winner in poll, says EU report, The Standard (2008)

The EU also handed in the report to the main political parties and the Electoral Commission of Kenya.

Constitution Bills presented in parliament, KBC 2008

The process towards a new constitution Tuesday moved to parliament following the formal introduction of the Constitution Bills in parliament by Justice minister Martha Karua.

Pledge to deliver new law, Daily Nation (2008)

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have declared their commitment to a new constitution.

Split voting areas ahead of law review, Daily Nation (2008)

Constituencies with large numbers of voters should be split first before a new constitution is put into place, Mr Kenyatta told a rally at Nairutia shopping centre in Kieni constituency, Nyeri North Distric

We won’t quit, says ECK team, September, Standard (2008)

Krieger called for a radical reform of the ECK and a creation of a new electoral management body with a new name, image and ethos, and committed to administrative excellence in the service of electoral integrity.

Elections results not declared, says witness, Nationmedia (2008)

Mr Charles Mureithi told the court that events at the Naivasha Municipal Hall where vote-tallying took place denied many voters their democratic rights as the rule of law was not applied.

ECK gets stay on State plan to disband it, The Standard (2008)

Mr Justice Nyamu agreed with the commissioners and said they had a strong case that touched on the interpretation and upholding of the Constitution. He said that the manner in which the matter was being handled will have an impact on the constitutional job holders who enjoy security of tenure.

Cabinet verdict: ECK chiefs may be sacked, Nation (2008)

The Cabinet also agreed on the need to have a united approach in the implementation of the changes recommended to Kenya’s electoral process due to the importance of electoral reforms in the prosperity of the country

ECK team ‘ready to leave office’, Nation (2008)

The commissioners and staff have been holding meetings that continued on Tuesday since they received the draft Bill on their fate.

Treasury seeks Sh400m to send Kivuitu team home, The Standard (2008)

The Treasury, The Standard has established, is seeking Sh400 million to send ECK’s 2,000 members of staff home. Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Martha Karua met the Parliamentary Committee on Administration of Justice and Legal Affairs on Monday and it was agreed that the draft Bill on the Kriegler Commission recommendations be split into two and re-drafted.

State rejects ECK send-off package, Nation (2008)

“They will not be thrown out as some politicians are demanding but they will be phased out through a law,” said a government source who did not want to be identified because of the delicate nature of the matter.

Delegates meetings not enough, The Standard (2008)

The Registrar of Political Parties Lucy Ndung’u warned this week holding National Delegates Conferences (NDCs) is only one of the steps towards full registration. Registered parties are required to seek fresh registration under the new Political Parties Act, which spells out strict requirements

ECK commissioners return equipment, The Standard (2008)

Commissioners Hamisi Dena and Pamela Tutui have returned laptops and other equipment, on a day ECK employees threatened to go on hunger strike to protect their jobs once the commission is disbanded.

Kenyans cautioned against the disbandment of government institutions, KBC (2008)

Kathangu says the move by parliament to disband ECK can only mean that the 2007 elections were flawed and thus they are in office illegally. He has cautioned Kenyans against the disbandment of government institutions such as the ECK and the Judiciary on the basis of their alleged involvement in the controversial 2007 general elections saying they are the center bolt of governance in Kenya.

Minister to table Bill on electoral reforms, The Standard (2008)

Today (Tuesday 9) could mark a turning point in electoral reforms as Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Justice minister Martha Karua make a final push for the disbandment of the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) by moving procedural Motions in Parliament.

ODM elections board warns against violence, KBC (2008)

The Orange Democratic Movement's National Elections Board is warning party members against engaging in acts of violence during the ongoing grass roots elections. Party supporters have in the past three days engaged in violent protests amid allegations of electoral malpractices.

ECK reforms: Commissioners and 600 staff sent packing, Eastandard (2008)

In the historic vote that heralds a new chapter in the reform process, not a single member voted against the Bill, while none abstained during the Second Reading.

City lawyer to chair new electoral body, Daily Nation (2009)

The Parliamentary Select Committee on the Constitution has picked lawyer Cecil Miller as chairman of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission.

Tight race as electoral team candidates are interviewed, The Standard (2009)

The race for the chair of the new Interim Independent Electoral Commission has narrowed down to eight.

Reform team ‘to be ready in time’, Daily Nation (2009)

Apart from the reforms which were directly agreed upon during the Serena talks, another package of reforms was proposed by the Waki and Kriegler commissions which investigated the post-election violence and disputed presidential election results respectively

LSK seeks all-inclusive constitutional review, Dialy Nation (2009)

The Supreme Court, LSK suggest should constitute a Chief Justice and less than five and not more than seven judges.

Radical Bills to seal election loopholes, Daily Nation (2009)

The changes proposed in The Electoral Commission Bill (2009) and The Elections Bill (2009) are part of a broader reforms intended to avoid a meltdown similar to that witnessed after the 2007 General Election.

Talks set to boost Kenya electoral reforms, Daily Nation (2009)

This week’s conference seeks to rebuild the public’s confidence in the electoral systems. According to the conference concept paper, it will also identify challenges in the electoral system and policy imperatives for reforms. Another objective will be to identify principles and practices to guide electoral reforms.

Key reforms needed for smooth elections in 2012, leaders agree, The Standard (2009)

The National Conference on Electoral Reforms is seeking solutions to the electoral system, whose process could not withstand the pressure of the 2007 elections.

Parties slowing reform agenda, say leaders, The Standard, (2009)

"Without discipline in political parties, desire for real democracy and meaningful reforms will remain mere talk,"

Its all systems go for IIEC in landmark elections, Eaststandard (2009)

IEC chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan said two returning officers left Nairobi last evening (Tuesday)with the materials ready for the exercise scheduled to start at 6am and close at 6pm.

Press Statement for the Shinyalu and Bomachoge By-Elections Results, IIEC website (2009)

Generally, the election was peaceful while the tallying and results were done within a reasonable time. The Commission is of course assessing the lessons learnt from this by election and is also looking forward to receiving reports from observer groups and other stake holders for the overall improvement of the electoral process.

ECK commissioners return equipment, The Standard (2008)

Commissioners Hamisi Dena and Pamela Tutui have returned laptops and other equipment, on a day ECK employees threatened to go on hunger strike to protect their jobs once the commission is disbanded.

Kenyans ‘rearming’ for 2012 poll, BBC News (2009)

 

Electoral Laws Review Workshop, IIEC News (2009)

The reviewing of the two bills before drafting and presentation to Parliament is an effort in pursuit of Agenda Four of the National Accord of post-2007 elections. It takes into considerations the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review Commission (IRC), better known as Kriegler Commission and the Commission of Inquiry into the Post Election Violence (CIPEV or Waki Commission).

Scramble for constituencies, Daily Nation (2009)

“The need to apply the principle of one person, one vote led to the establishment of the Interim Independent Boundaries Commission in accordance with the Kriegler Report,” said President Kibaki.

Kenya sets voter registration for December, Daily Nation (2009)

Kenya will start to build a new voter register in December in preparation of referendum on a new constitution expected in April next year. According to a progress report prepared by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission, the process will be automated in what is seen as one of the ways to improve the credibility of the voters’ roll.

Kenya: President to become ceremonial under new constitution, Daily Nation (2009)

The President will still be elected directly by the people, but will remain head of State exercising only ceremonial functions. This is one of the key highlights in the final draft of a new constitution worked out by the Committee of Experts.

Kenya:Electoral body clears the way for payment of party funds, Business Daily (2009)

Close to 50 registered political parties have inched closer to bagging millions of shillings in Government funds, following the release of guidelines on how the money will be shared out. Isaack Hassan, the Interim Independent Electoral Commission of Kenya chairman, has issued the long-awaited regulations to the Political Parties Act 2007, clearing the legal hurdle that has blocked the release of the funds to the parties for months.

Kenyan leaders fail to sanction tribunal to investigate post-election violence, The Guardian (2009)

The prosecutor of the international criminal court will ask for a formal investigation of the post-election violence after failing to secure a deal with the president and prime minister over how to bring the instigators of last year's violence to justice.

Kenya MPs snub debate on local tribunal bill, Daily Nation (2009)

The bill that is supposed to set up a tribunal to try the perpetrators of last year's post-election violence was not even discussed by the Parliament as only 18 MPs (out of 222) were present.

Kenya: Election of president and MPs to be held seven days apart, (Daily Nation 2009)

Kenyans will no longer elect their members of Parliament and the president the same day if the proposed constitution is enacted next year. The election of the president will be held on a Tuesday, 21 days before the expiry of the term of the incumbent, the draft states.

Kenya:An end to authoritarian presidential rule (East African 2009

Over a period of 40 years, Kenya declined steadily into government without any of the fundamentals of constitutionalism. Kenya had started out in 1963 with the Independence Constitution. This was then replaced by the radically different 1964 Presidential System constitution, (the Jamhuri Constitution).

Kenya: Electronic Voter Registration Demos (IIEC News 2009)

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission, IIEC, on Tuesday successfully completed the testing of various technologies on electronic voter registration. The exercise, which entailed demonstrations from three companies, Ventix of Kenya, Code Incorporated of Canada and Electronic Corporation of India saw a large number of students “register” as voters.

Kenya: Parties to receive more funding from government, Daily Nation (2009)

Political parties will receive billions of shillings in financial support if the draft is passed. It proposes that Parliament allocates the Political Parties Fund not more than 0.3 per cent of the previous financial year’s national budget. The draft constitution indicates that the money allocated to a political party from the fund is for the purposes of covering the election expenses of the party. It adds that the party may use the money for administrative expenses, adding that this must not exceed 10 per cent of the allocation.

Kenya:Rift Valley MPs woo Western ahead of 2012, The Standard(2009)

Rift Valley MPs trooped to Western and declared interest in forming an alliance with the province ahead of the 2012 General Election. They said it was evident their friendship with Nyanza Province was "in the red" following a fallout between them and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Kenya: PM seeks donor support for Kenya referendum, Daily Nation (2009)

Kenya has asked its Western and European donors to support the efforts to get a new constitution by helping finance the referendum scheduled to be held in March next year. Prime Minister Raila Odinga said at the first of two annual meetings with members of the diplomatic corps that the donor states should also use their influence, particularly on the poor and the vulnerable, to support the push for a new constitution.

Kenya MPs shun debate on tribunal bill, Daily Nation (2009)

Debate on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2009, initiated by Central Imenti MP Gitobu Imanyara has suffered persistent interruption due to lack of quorum and has been characterised by poor debate with only a few members contributing. On two occasions, debate was interrupted and put off due to lack of quorum.

Kenya:Sharp views emerge in Harmonised Draft Constitution debate, The Standard (2009)

Exactly 17 days since the Harmonised Draft Constitution was released to the public for study and debate, sharp positions on the review began to emerge. Reports indicated that judicial officers were seeking an urgent meeting with the Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review to present their views.

Kenya: NCCK wants two drafts at referendum, Daily Nation (2009)

One of the drafts, they propose, should present a ‘pure presidential’ while the other a ‘pure parliamentary’ system of governance. Kenyans should then be given the chance to choose between the two, without the risk of falling back to the current constitution, the said. Officials from the National Council of Churches of Kenya said proposals, by the Committee of Experts, to have a hybrid system of governance was ill advised.

Kenya: Devolution key in referendum vote, report indicates, The Standard (2009)

Devolution of power may decide which way Kenyans vote in the referendum on the Draft Constitution. Survey findings, conducted by Transparency International (TI)-Kenya show they will be less influenced by the contentious issue on the Executive.

Kenya to register new voters in February, Daily Nation (2009)

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission chairman Isaack Hassan said Tuesday that “the commission is currently putting in place mechanisms to facilitate voter registration.” He was speaking at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi after a meting with Kenya’s mediator Kofi Annan on Tuesday to brief the former United Nations secretary general on progress made by his team since its formation.

Kenya: PNU wants fresh elections held once new constitution is enacted, The Standard (2009)

wants fresh elections called immediately the new constitution comes into effect. Presenting its official position to the Committee of Experts yesterday, the PNU coalition said Kenyans would feel shortchanged if CoE extended the coalition’s tenure after the constitution goes through.

Kenya: PSs back hybrid system with powerful president, Daily Nation (2009)

Top civil servants Thursday backed a hybrid system of government, but with a proposal that the president wields executive powers. In their submission to the Committee of Experts on Thursday, the accounting officers in the Public Service said the PM should be the country’s “chief operating officer” with the duty of running the day-to-day functions of government.

Kenya: Update on Recruitment of the IIEC Secretariat, iiecnews (2010)

IIEC is now finalizing the recruitment and deployment of key staff at the headquarters in Nairobi and at the constituencies countrywide. The training of these officials will be carried out in January 2010.

Kenya: Official accused of derailing by-election, Daily Nation (2010)

One of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission members has been accused of derailing by-elections in South Mugirango due to his alleged partisanship. Despite this fact, the by-elections should take place as scheduled.

Kenya:MPs reach consensus on 7 chapters of draft, Daily Nation (2010)

Negotiations by a committee of MPs on a new constitution started on a positive note as they quickly agreed on the opening seven chapters, some of which had caused some controversy.

IIEC Training for voter registrations kicks off in Nairobi, IIEC News (2010)

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission on 13th January conducted training for the newly appointed officials in preparation for the National Voter Registration exercise set to begin next month. 17 Regional Electoral Coordinators (RECs) and Directors were taken through a 5 days training. The training aimed to impart knowledge on electoral systems, the role of an elections management body, the laws that govern elections in Kenya and procedure of capturing data for compilation of the voter’s register.

Kenya: IIEC prepares constituency coordinators for fresh registration, IIEC (2010)

More than 210 newly appointed Interim Independent Electoral Commission Constituency Coordinators (CECs) were trained at the Multi-Media University, KCCT, Mbagathi, Nairobi, on voter registration exercise. The three day hands-on training was in preparation for a countrywide voter registration next month. A report on 2007 elections in Kenya cited cases of double registration and dead voters in the national register and calls for a fresh and credible register.

Kenya: House team scraps PM 's office, Daily Nation (2010)

The Parliamentary Select Committee wrapped up its negotiation Thursday afternoon after unanimously agreeing to do away with the office of the Prime Minister in the next political dispensation.

Kenya:Political parties and IIEC in joint effort to better elections, IIEC news (2010)

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission, IIEC, held a consultative meeting with representatives of Political Parties to discuss and find solutions to issues affecting the parties and the electoral management body. 37 of the 47 registered Political Parties sent representatives to the meeting which was held in Nairobi on Friday 29th.

Kenya :The disabled seek 20 seats in House, Daily Nation (2010)

The disabled have asked the Committee of Experts and the House to give them at least 20 seats in the next Parliament. This the number would comprise 15 seats in the National Assembly through mixed representation and five seats in the Senate. The group also wants at least one representative in all constitutional commissions.

Kenya Mulls Constitution to Curb Election Violence: Week Ahead, Bloomberg Business Week (2010)

This article is on the discussion on the rewritten constitution came amid dispute between the president and the Prime Minister over the extent of their powers; and is aiming to avoid the repeat of post-election violence.

ICC prosecutor: Leaders fueled Kenya violence, Reuters (2010)

Kenyan political leaders organized and financed post-election attacks against civilians in 2008, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor told judges, as they consider whether to launch an investigation.

Kenya begins voter registration

Kenya began a countrywide voter registration on Monday, a process that is set to last for the next 45 days.The country's Interim Independent Electoral Commission is targeting 18 million voters during the exercise.

Fresh demands over number of regions and counties by MPs, Daily Nation (2010)

The fight over regions as levels of devolution dominated talks at the Kenya Institute of Administration with MPs divided on the lowest unit of government. There were also fresh demands for an increase in the number of counties from 47 to a maximum of 80. Other MPs suggested the establishment of both counties and regions.

Kenya: Kibaki Assures on New Constitution, All Africa (2010)

the President Kibaki said he was optimistic that MPs currently meeting in Nairobi would thrash out the contentious issues to speed up the process of a new constitution.

Kenya's post election case up next at the Hague, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (2010)

Names were forwarded to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as the Kenyan case dealing with the post election violence is likely to be the next to be addressed at The Hague.

Kenya: Tentative Referendum date set as Church insists ‘No’, The Standard (2010)

Key actors on constitutional review want national referendum held earliest on August 6, and have written to Attorney General Amos Wako to say so. Sources revealed the church’s position stands just as that of the Protestant churches that signed the 15-day ultimatum to Kibaki and Raila on Monday, to forge consensus or they would whip up support against the draft.

Kenya: Electronic voting here but will it end rigging, The Standard (2010)

Politicians were ecstatic the system guarantees democratic and tamper-proof electoral system that would make impossible manipulation of voting outcome at polling centres and ‘top-up’ games at tallying centres as witnessed in 2007 presidential election, leading to a disputed results and violence.

Kenya: Voter Education and Registration Seminar, IIEC news (2010)

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) CEO Mr. James Oswago assured the over 3.6 million PWIDs that IIEC does not discriminate them. “IIEC is not doing you a favor [by registering]. It is your right to take part in the governance of your country”. Mr. Oswago said although the UN Convention on the rights of people with disabilities of 1948 did not comprehensively address the inalienable rights of PWIDs, the 2003 Act entrenches the rights of PWDs in Kenya.

Kenya: IIEC media road shows set to spur voter registration, IIEC News (2010)

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission is embarking on radio focus groups and outside broadcasts that will run in several towns countrywide from 25th to 29th April, 2010. More than 17 local radio stations will run live outside broadcasts where IIEC officials and radio presenters will interact with the citizens. The shows are aimed at creating awareness and addressing the concerns of the people.

Kenya: Voter registration hits 7 million as EVR takes off, IIEC news (2010)

On 19th April and two weeks to end of the voter registration exercise, IIEC had registered 6,977,192 voters countrywide. The election management body targets 10 million before the end of the exercise on 5th May, 2010. The rise in the numbers could be attributed to electronic voter registration which kicked off in 18 constituencies on 12th April, three weeks after the manual system was launch on 22nd March, 2010. Curiosity and enthusiasm seem to drive people to registration centres. In some regions like Eldoret North, the over 50% of potential voters have already been registered using the new technology which captures biometric features of the voter.

Kenya:AG to publish draft May 6, KBC (2010)

Attorney General Amos Wako said Thursday the publication of the draft law in both English and Kiswahili will herald the referendum in August. Earlier, Wako had promised to publish the draft within seven days upon receiving the draft law from parliament on April 7th.

Kenya: IIEC hits 10m target two days to closure of voter registration 3rd May 2010

I am happy to announce that IIEC has today registered 10,036,415 voters. This means we have managed to reach our minimum target of 10 million. The voter registration exercise which begun on 22nd March will close on Wednesday 5th May 2010 for the Manual Voter Registration exercise (OMR), while the Electronic Voter Registration (EVR) which begun on 12th April 2010 will be closing on 21st May 2010. I urge my fellow Kenyans who are not part of the 10 million voters to register within the remaining days. On behalf of IIEC I wish to express my gratitude to those Kenyans who have already registered. I also wish to express the gratitude of the Commission to our stakeholders in the electoral process, namely, the government, political parties, the civil society, media, religious organizations and all Kenyans who helped in the mobilization of the people to register.

Kenya:Voter registration extended to Sunday 9th May, IIEC (2010)

he voter registration has been extended to Sunday 9th May, 2010. The Interim Independent Electoral Commission this evening made the unexpected announcement following the large number of people seeking registration in the last two days to the close of the manual system used in 192 of the 210 constituencies. The 45 day exercise, which begun on 22nd March, 2010, was due to come to an at 5pm of May 5th.

Kenya vernacular stations in the spotlight, Daily Nation (2010)

Vernacular radio stations are set to be monitored more closely in the push for national unity in the referendum campaigns. This becomes apparent after a report urging the broadcast regulator and the media’s self-regulating agency to tighten the monitoring of the radio stations was endorsed by the government.

Kenya nears new Constitution, Daily Nation (2010)

Kenya's Attorney General Amos Wako has published the proposed new Constitution as the country edges towards a new dispensation.

Kenya referendum date set, Daily Nation (2010)

Independent Interim Electoral Commission (IIEC) chairman Ahmed Isaack Hassan during a media breakfast hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the Hotel InterContinental, Nairobi May 14, 2010. He announced the referendum on the proposed Constitution will take place on August 4, 2010.

Kenya: The Referendum Question IIEC (2010)

In framing the question, IIEC consulted with the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on 10th May, 2010 as required by law. The Commission published the Referendum Question on 12th May, 2010, vide Gazette Notice No. 5075.

Kenya: IIEC RELEASES THE REFERENDUM SYMBOLS, IIEC (2010)

The Commission engaged members of the public, Media and Political Parties’ representatives to make proposals of symbols for consideration by the Commission. The Commission has now identified appropriate symbols for the Referendum.

Kenya: 11 present nomination papers for S.Mugirango By-elections, IIEC (2010)

Of the 12 candidates who took nomination papers from IIEC headquarters to contest for the June 10th South Mugirango By-elections, 11 managed to present nomination papers to IIEC's returning officer Mr Bonventure Bongoya at Nyamirambe town.

Kenya:Matuga By-election poll officials trained, IIEC (2010)

Training for clerks will take place on 9th and 10th at the following four centres- Kwale, Burani, Waa and Shimba Hills. Matuga has 101 polling centres with a total 41,734 registered voters. Vote tallying will be held at Matuga Government Training College, GTI, where results will be displayed on a large screen and replicated at Lilian Towers, Nairobi.

Kenya: Use of modern technology will simplify vote tallying, Daily Nation (2010)

This article reports on the possible introduction of a new bill introducing electronic records in elections in Kenya. Last week, the Independent Electoral Commission of Kenya successfully used the Electronic Results Transmission System in a by-election for the first time.

Kenya: Parties to receive voters' list, The Nation (2010)

This article discusses the Interim Independent Electoral Commission's (IIEC) decision to provide the voters' list to all referendum committees and 47 registered parties in Kenya. Furthermore, the IIEC piloted the electronic voter registration system in 18 constituencies, and it is now considering to use it nationwide. These measures are meant to guarantee transparency and fairness in future elections.

Kenyans mixed on whether election violence could repeat, Gallup (2010)

This article reports on the latest Gallup opinion poll in Kenya. Kenyans will vote on a new constitution on Wednesday, August 4, they are currently divided on whether or not violence will occur. The majority (53%) believe that there will be no election-related violence, while 44% believe it will. In the 2007 presidential elections, election-related violence broke out and more than 1,300 people were killed.

Kanyans edgy ahead of charter vote, Aljazeera (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates from Kenya. The Kenyan authorities are making the final preparations for the upcoming referendum for the new constitution. Politicians and observers believe that the polls will be mainly peaceful, but special attention is given to the Rift Valley region, where riots broke out during the 2007 elections.

Kenya pledges transparent vote on new constitution, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the Kenya's electoral authority's statement about the transparency of the upcoming referendum. The referendum will be the first national poll since the riots triggered by the 2007 elections, when 1,300 people were killed.

Kenyans vote in referendum on new constitution, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the election day in Kenya. The referendum will be a test for democracy in the country, after the 2007 elections. Kenyans will vote on proposed constitutional changes, important to avoid post-elections violence. People started queuing up early in the morning, as 12.5 million people have registered to vote.

Kenya braced for poll clashes in first vote since deadly 2007 elections, The Telegraph (2010)

This article reports on the referendum in Kenya. This is the first elections since the 2007 one, where riots broke out and 1,300 people died. Violence is not expected, the electoral commission reported, but some provinces are on high alert. According to the latest opinion polls, most people support the new constitution: this will curb presidential powers and devolve responsibility to the regions.

Will Kenya's constitutional referendum lead to violence? TIME (2010)

This article comments the political situation in Kenya on the eve of the August 4 constitutional referendum. People is Kenya are still shocked by the violence that followed the 2007 elections, and many of then are fleeing their homes. The new constitution would weaken the president's powers, divide the legislature in two houses, and establish independent for the executive, legislative and judiciary branches. Devolution of powers to the regions would also follow.

Kenyan officials expect referendum on new constitution wilol pass peacefully, The Irish Times (2010)

This article reports on the election day in Kenya. Election and security officials are expecting the referendum day to pass off peacefully. Part of the proposed reforms to the Constitution will help to prevent further outbreaks of violence at the next presidential elections in 2012.

Kenya votes "Yes" to new charter: partial results, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the latest updates from the election day in Kenya. According to partial results, most of the voters (67%) voted 'Yes' in Yesterday's referendum to modify the constitution. No major incidents were reported in the 27,689 polling stations.

Kenyans approved new constitution in referendum, early counting indicates, Bloomberg (2010)

This article discusses the first results of the constitutional referendum in Kenya. Most of the voters (67%) approved the modifications to the constitution. However, final results may not be ready until 48 hours after the vote.

Kenya's social media atweet with referendum chatter, Reuters (2010)

This article discusses the role of social media in the August 4 referendum in Kenya. Mobile phones have been incredibly useful in these elections, providing a continuous stream of updates. Internet is also very popular (and increasingly cheap and accessible) among Kenyans, and Twitter in particular.

Kenyans approve new constitution, The New York Times (2010)

This article comments the final results of the August 4 referendum in Kenya. The Kenyan people proved that the country can run a clean election without a violent aftermath.

Two-thirds of Kenyans vote for new constitution, The Irish Times (2010)

This article discusses the preliminary results for the August 4 constitutional referendum in Kenya. The referendum promoted constitutional changes that would curb presidential powers and historical land disputes. Election officials said that 69% of the voters approved these changes.

Digital shift transforms Kenya's electoral process into an efficient exercise, Business Daily (2010)

This article discusses the technological revolution in Kenya's electoral process. Experts believe that the August 4 referendum was made a clear and transparent process thanks to the digital shift implemented by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC). The IIEC will now expand the new system, and spend $400 million on a programme to introduce electronic voting in 20,000 polling centers by 2012.

Kenya votes on new constitution amid high security, Thw Washington Post (2010)

This is a photo gallery of the voting operations during the August 4 referendum in Kenya.

Learn from Kenyan elections, The New Vision (2010)

This article reports on the final consideration on the election day in Kenya. The referendum was carried out peacefully and the results were accepted by all political parties. The 'Yes' won the majority of the votes, so the constitution will be modified.

Kenya's chance, The Financial Times (2010)

This article comments the results of the latest constitutional referendum in Kenya. Since the 2007 elections and post-elections violence, the country has made incredible improvements. The majority of the voters approved the constitutional changes (to weaken the president, make local politicians more accountable, and create a committee to solve the land issues) and the opposing parties accepted the results peacefully. No major election-related incident was reported.

Kenya: Fair elections are possible, The New Vision (2010)

This article comments the results and outcomes of the referendum in Kenya. 66% of the voters approved the constitutional reforms presented in the referendum, but most importantly it was the process itself that mattered in the short-term. As a matter of fact, the Interim Independent Electoral Commission, instituted as a reaction to the 2007 elections, managed the elections with transparency and fairness.

Kenya: Returning officers told to act tough as by-election date set, The Daily Nation (2010)

This article reports on the by-elections in Kenya. Yesterday, the Interim Independent Electoral Commission announced the dates of the by-elections that will involve only few constituencies. The commission also directed officers to disqualify candidates who will break election laws, the commission also asked them to uphold a high degree of integrity.

Kenya: Revealed: What new Bills say about 2012, The Daily Nation (2010)

This article discusses the new laws that would regulate the 2012 general elections in Kenya. The Parliament is now considering a set of new laws that would create an independent election system. A new commission would be created and its first tasks would be: to set new constituency boundaries and to update the voters roll (allowing prisoners to vote, for example). The new commission would also have an 'election security board' to prevent violence as well as take immediate actions against election malpractices.

Kenya gets new Constitution, The Standard (2010)

This article describes the promulgation of the New Constitution of Kenya by the president of the Republic of Kenya. The President said 'Now therefore in exercise of powers bestowed upon me by the Constitution of Kenya. "

Kenya: IIEC holds a postmortem on referendum, iiecnews (2010)

this article talks about the post referendum initiative of the Kenyan EMB to look back and pick lessons that can be useful on charting a way forward after the promulgation of the new constitution.

Kenya: Standoff over 80 new constituencies, The Standard (2010)

This article talks about the implementation of the Kenyan Constitution with relation to the delimitation of constituencies by the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission and the yet to be formed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Kenya: Commission working on law to allow electronic results from Interim Independent Electoral Commision | Republic of Kenya | - YOUR VOTE, YOUR FUTURE, IIEC (2010)

This article talks about a new legislation that will give the Electoral Management Body of Kenya more powers to deal with electoral malpractices and also recognize electronic results.

Kenya: IIEC to receive UN Award for delivering on electoral reforms, IIEC news (2010)

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission will tomorrow receive an honorary UN 2010 Award in recognition of what the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Aeneas Chuma, describes as the commission’s “exceptional achievements in delivering electoral reforms to the Second Republic of Kenya”. The 2010 UN Day commemorations will be held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) on 22&23rd October, 2010.

Kenya: IIEC receives UN commendation award, iiecnews, (2010)

IIEC receives UN commendation award Friday, October 22, 2010 The Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) received certificate of commendation from the United Nations (UN) in Kenya for its role in the management of elections and electoral reforms processes in Kenya. The commendation certificate was presented to IIEC Chairman Isaack Hassan Ahmed during this year’s UN Day celebrations held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) on October 22nd, 2010.

Kenyan EMB invited to share elections management experience globally, iiecnews (2010)

The Chairman of the IIEC and other commissioners have in the past month been invited to several upcoming international forums to share experience with other EMB's on the management of elections and especially provide technical assistance in the preparation of elections in Tanzania and Sudan.

Kenya: Electoral Boundaries row, Daily Nation (2010)

The Independent Boundaries Review Commission is yet to gazette its report but the political elite have drawn daggers on the report taking sides and even cabinet ministers disowning the formula used to arrive at the final number of constituencies saying the formula is flawed and the census figures released mid-2010 had errors in some regions.

Kenya polls body to bar candidates over ethics, Daily Nation (2010)

This article talks about the efforts that the IIEC is making as an effort to implement the and enforce the Constitution of Kenya Chapter 6 that talks of the qualities of a an elected leader. The Commission intends to provide for a vetting period after receiving nomination papers from the political parties where the electorate can raise queries before they publish the final list of candidates to participate in the by-election.

Kenyans march to protest ICC's naming of suspects, Reuters (2010)

This article reports on the investigation of the riots that erupted in Kenya following the disputed presidential elections in December 2007. The International Criminal Court released the list of suspects, which included three cabinet ministers and a former police chief and notorious deputy prime minister Kenyatta (son of Kenya's statesman, Jomo Kenyatta). Hundreds of people, led by some legislators, protested in the streets over the naming of suspects and the parliament is even considering a motion to withdraw from the Rome Statute that establishes the Hague court.

Kenya: Political parties’ tribunal members take oath of office, (2011)ws (20110

This article talks of the newly formed Political parties tribunal that were appointed by the Chief Justic ein accordance withe the Political Parties Act 2007on 17th December and gazetted on 24th December 2010. The tribunal members consisting of a chairperson and two other members took office after they were sworn in by the Chief Justice.

Kenya: IEC Chairman attends "International Conference on Best Electoral Practices", iiecnews (2011)

This articles talks of the chairperson of the Independent electoral Commissions presentation at the "International Conference on Best Electoral Practices" that was attended by delegates form EMB's from 5 continents.

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Kenya: Stiff penalties sought for rogue poll officials, Daily Nation (2011)

This article talks of the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee proposals on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Bill to penalties the officers who breach any part of their contract that would interfere with the credibility of the elections. It also speaks to the transition structure of the temporary commission to the permanent one as proposed in the Constitution

Kenya: IFES team visits IIEC, iiecnews (2011)

This article speaks of a courtesy call that IFES made to the IIEC to understand the technical gaps that the IIEC has that IFES can support tin in the run-up to the 2012 General Elections.

Kenya: Electronic systems proposed for Elections, Daily Nation (2011)

This article talks of parliamentary debate and resolution to the Ministry of Justice that is the parent Ministry for the IIEC and in charge of reforms in the electoral process. The motion got overwhelming acceptance and passed without opposition.

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Kenya: A record 70 amendments on polls Bill, Daily Nation (2011)

This article talks of the proposed electoral management Bill that has been at the committee stage for discussion and gathering of views before it is tables in parliament for debate and voting. The amendments are meant to tighten the loop holes that were evident in the 2007 General Elections and the political mischief of the two principles on the implementation of the Constitution.

Kenya: International IDEA Partners with IIEC, iiecnews (2011)

This article talks of a meeting between a senior programme officer of International IDEA and the IIEC on possible mutual interest in the run-up to the 2012 general elections

Kenya: MPs approve 80 new constituencies, The Standard (2011)

This article talks of the parliamentary deliberations that went way into the night on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission bill 2011 that was finally passed by parliament with several amendments to it and the acceptance that the additional boundaries as drawn by the now dissolved Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission be added to the current 210 constituencies.

Kenya:State officers hang on to party jobs as debate rages on what law says, The Standard (2011)

This article talks of the Ministers and Members of Parliament who are holding positions in political parties which is in contravention of the Constitution. The article further talks of the Registrar of Political Parties not being strict on all parties including the medium and small once like she is on the major two parties. The article sights a few example of party elections that have seen MP's being elected to party positions under the new Constitution and the various interpretations given by various quotas on the definition of a State officer

Kenya: IIEC Shares Expertise with African Election Management Institutions, iiecnews (2011)

This article talks of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission capacity building programme that is in partnership with International IDEA that will see the IIEC's 17 Regional Electoral Cordinators receive BRIDGE trainings in South Africa and Ghana. The initiative is a programme by the International IDEA and the African Union.

Kenya election team plans to enrol 19m voters, Daily Nation (2011)

The article report that Kenya's Election Commission plans to enroll 19 million voters. It furthermore plans to require presidential hopefuls to garner at least 6.9 million votes to avoid a run-off election.

Kenya:Parliament passes Elections Bill and Political Parties bill, The Standard (2011)

This article, talks of the bills the parliament has passed in the past week and more especially the Elections Bill and the Political Parties bill. The article gives a snap shot of the changes that have been made to the two bills with relation to the original bills that were originally presented to the cabinet.

Kenya:Electronic voting ‘is still six years away for Kenya’, Business Daily (2011)

This article talks about the process of infusing ICT in the Electoral Process in Kenya. The interim Independent Electoral Commission on 24th September invited companies from around the world that deal with information systems for the electoral process to showcase what they have and also give stakeholders including the Kenyan citizens a chance to interact with the vendors. The article is a summary of the IIEC CEO speech during the opening of the exhibition.

Kenya:ISAACK, KOKI, MURSHID LEAD RACE FOR IEBC JOB, The Star (2011)

This article is talking of the selection process to appoint the new electoral management body chairperson to head the new body that will be called the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. The selection process was concluded on the 12th with Eight candidates being interviewed for the the chairperson position. The new commission is expected to be in place in November 2011.

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Kenya: Panel selects three for IEBC chair, Daily Nation (2011)

This article talks of the process of selecting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners who will take over from the IIEC commissioners. The IIEC was a temporary body but had the mandate to recruit qualified professionals who would conduct elections in Kenya. The Selection panel in the article state that they have been true to there mandate and it is now upon the President and Prime Minister to select who they would like to be in the IEBC and submit the names to Parliament for further scrutiny and appointment. A total of 13 candidates for the Member and 3 for the Chairperson were submitted.

Kenya: Hassan nominated as IEBC chair, Daily Nation (2011)

The articles talks of the second part of the process of appointing the Chairperson and members of the Electoral Management Body. The Chair and eight of the commissioners have now been proposed for consideration by parliament before the 9 can be sworn in and begin the work of administering and managing of elections in Kenya.

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Kenya: Election managers to deliver credible polls, Daily Nation (2011)

This article talks of the swearing in of the 9 Commissioners to the head the IEBC for the next 6 years. During the swearing in the Chief Justice asked the team to start early preparations for elections to ensure a smooth and democratic process. "You must move with speed to ensure that necessary preparations for successful elections are held whenever they will be decided to be held," he said.

Kenya:POLITICIANS HARAMBEE BAN STARTS TONIGHT,the star(2011)

This article talks about the requirements in the Elections Act 2011 prohibiting anyone aspiring for political office to participate in fundraising 8 months before the election.

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Kenya:General elections in 2013 court rules,Star(2012)

The article talks about a ruling made in Kenya by the High Court on Friday 13 January that Kenya's first General Election under the new Constitution would be held in March 2013, unless the grand coalition is dissolved.The three-judge bench in the constitutional court also ruled that elections could be held within 60 days after the expiry of current Parliament, which is January 14, 2013.

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Kenya: IEBC handed cash boost for polls,Daily Nation(2012)

The article talks about how the money will be used in concluding the on-going exercise of delimiting boundaries, voter education, electoral operations, and building peace in the hotspots that have experienced political violence every election year.

Kenya:Five million to get IDs before elections,Kenya(2012)

The article talks about the new ID (look) being proposed by the ministry of immigration and Registration of persons

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Kenya:Parliament to decide poll date,Star(2012)

The article talks about when the next general elections will be held

Kenya:IEBC to petition for December 2012 polls,Star(2012)

The article talks about how the Kenya EMB(IEBC) plans to formally appeal to the President and the Prime Minister to dissolve the coalition government in October this year to allow elections to take place in December 2012.

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Kenya:Cabinet fails to agree on election date,star(2012)

The article is about the on-going debate about the date of the next General elections in Kenya

Kenya:Poll body erred on new zones, Daily nation(2012)

The article is about the report on the new boundaries for the wards and constituencies report that was presented to the Justice and Legal affairs committee.

Kenya: How political parties sideline women leaders, Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about a study which was conducted by Center for Multiparty and Democracy(CMD)

Kenya:Firms bid for poll materials,Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about the preparations for the next General elections

Kenya:Poll rules for Kenyan Media to be launched

The article is about the guidelines for the Media on the coverage of the next General elections

Kenya: Constitution a bright spot in government, Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about the fourth anniversary of the Coalition Government in Kenya.

Kenya: Boundaries row might derail poll date,warn Mps,Daily Nation(2012)

The article talks about the revised preliminary report of the proposed Constituencies and Wards

Kenya: Vote zones report sparks off a storm,Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about the debate on the proposed new Constituencies and Wards.

Kenya:Mps approve amended boundaries report,Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about the parliament debate on the proposed boundaries and Wards.

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Kenya:Poll 48pc of Kenyans ready for a woman president,Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about results of a survey carried out in Kenya

Kenya:IEBC rejects Mps' proposal to create 100 wards,Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about the report by a House committee on the review of constituencies and wards boundaries after two days of debate.

Kenya:Quorum hitch hits Opinion Polls bill,Daily Nation(2012)

The article talks about the second attempt to introduce an Act to regulate opinion polling in the country.

Kenya:House team faults IEBC vote zones report,Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about recommendations made by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission regarding the new electoral zones.

Kenya:Parties on the spot over new laws,Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about the new laws that political parties should comply with before being legally and officially registered.

Kenya:Kibaki receives petition to open Waki Envelope,The Star(2012)

The article is about the on-going ICC case against the 4 Kenyans,

Kenya:IEBC ready for polls in December or 2013,Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about the preparations by the EMB for the next General Elections

Kenya:Kenyans abroad demand right to vote in poll,Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about voters in the diaspora demand to participate in the next general elections.

Kenya:Polls set for 2013, says minister, Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about a ruling made by the Constitutional Court on when the next general elections should take place.

Kenya:House backs Bill regulating opinion polls,Daily Nation(2012)

The article is about the Electoral Opinion Polls Bill which seeks to regulate opinion polls and prohibit publication of its findings a week to an election.

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Kenya:Mutunga warns 2013 candidates,the star(2012)

The article is about chapter six of the Constitution of Kenya on Leadership and Integrity.

Kenya:Parties beat deadline of registration, Star(2012)

The article is about the on-going electoral reforms in the country that requires all Political Parties to register a fresh to qualify to participate in the coming General elections in 2013.

Kenya:Fresh shuttle diplomacy on ICC cases,star(2012)

The article is about the on-going ICC case for the Ocampo four to move the hearing to the EACJ.