Nairobi: The Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering a free, fair, and peaceful General Election in 2027, while strengthening democratic institutions, regional integration, and economic stability.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, during an interactive quarterly diplomatic briefing held at a Nairobi hotel, urged external partners and local actors to respect the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
‘The Electoral Commission must be allowed to discharge its constitutional mandate independently and professionally. We should not seek to discredit the Commission. Democracy is sustained by strong institutions and respect for established rules and not by individual interests,’ Mudavadi stated.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary disclosed that the government has put in place measures to safeguard the integrity of the August 10, 2027 poll, including the implementation of the Roadmap to a Violence-Free 2027 General Election spearheaded by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
He warned that individuals attempting to breach national security before, during, or after the elections will face the full force of the law regardless of their political standing.
Mudavadi highlighted Kenya’s economic resilience, noting that Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 4.9 per cent in the preceding year.
He added that the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) recently crossed the Sh4 trillion mark in market capitalization for the first time. Foreign exchange reserves currently stand at USD 14.9 billion, representing 6.2 months of import cover.
To sustain this growth trajectory, the Government is championing a national consultative process to establish a post-Vision 2030 development charter aimed at creating an inclusive, high-income economy. Capital mobilization will be further supported by the established National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
On regional integration and trade within the East African Community (EAC), Mudavadi clarified recent executive directives regarding informal retail and small-scale trade.
‘Kenya is not implementing a blanket ban on foreign nationals engaging in small-scale business, but is seeking to ensure that their participation is consistent with the East African Community Common Market Protocol and applicable national law,’ Mudavadi clarified, reassuring foreign business operators that their rights and investments remain protected.
He emphasized that foreign traders must strictly comply with national immigration, registration, work permit, and licensing regulations, noting that similar standards apply to Kenyan traders residing within neighboring EAC partner states.
Regarding peace and security, the Prime Cabinet Secretary reiterated Kenya’s conviction that African challenges require African-led solutions.
He revealed that President William Ruto has appointed former Commonwealth Assistant Secretary-General, Prof. Luis Franceschi, as the Special Envoy for Peace Mediation.
He also called for concerted international action against terrorism and requested adequate funding for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia.
Touching on emerging climate and health crises, Mudavadi revealed that lower-than-average rainfall in cereal-producing areas is projected to cause a 30 per cent to 40 per cent drop in national food production.
In response, a Cabinet Committee chaired by the Deputy President is steering national food security measures. Government interventions include lowering subsidized fertilizer prices to Sh2,000 per 50kg bag, covering 50 per cent of certified seed costs, expanding irrigation, and preparing for conditional maize imports to cover potential deficits.
Furthermore, to combat the threat of an Ebola outbreak that has infected over 6,600 people in the region, Kenya has intensified surveillance and passenger screening across all entry ports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Mudavadi sought international support for Kenya’s judicial candidatures to global institutions, notably Judge Phoebe Okowa for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and Supreme Court Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He assured diplomats that Kenya remains an open, predictable, and secure partner committed to international law, human rights, and shared prosperity.
The high-level briefing was attended by Principal Secretary State Department for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Ms. Roseline Njogu, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Beyene Russom, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) Zainab Hawa Bangura, as well as resident ambassadors and heads of international agencies.
