Germany urges Kenya to protect credibility of 2027 election
“Kenya has a vibrant political culture, strong civil society, and a young generation that has made very clear that it wants to have a say in the future of the country,” Groth said.
Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui meets German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth during discussions on Kenya-Germany relations and the 2027 General Election. Photo: The Star Kenya.
By Robert Mutasi
Germany has urged Kenya to safeguard peace, fundamental rights and public confidence as the country prepares for the August 2027 General Election.
German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth said credible elections would require strong electoral institutions, respect for democratic rights and a peaceful political contest.
Speaking during the Germany Unity Day reception, Groth said Germany would continue working with Kenyan institutions and civil society organisations as preparations for the polls gather pace.
“We are in support of democracy in Kenya and now that there will be elections next year, what matters is that this competition takes place peacefully, that fundamental rights are respected, and that people can have confidence in the institutions responsible for the electoral process,” Groth said.
Germany, he added, will support programmes focusing on voter education, electoral processes, the fight against corruption and strengthening the rule of law.
Groth said the German Embassy was already engaging Kenyan institutions and civil society groups on the issues.
He stressed that Germany was offering its support as a partner rather than seeking to dictate how Kenya should conduct its electoral affairs.
“And they do so as partners,” the ambassador said.The envoy also pointed to Kenya’s vibrant political culture and active civil society as important strengths ahead of the election.
“Kenya has a vibrant political culture, strong civil society, and a young generation that has made very clear that it wants to have a say in the future of the country,” Groth said.
He urged stakeholders to build on that public participation as the country moves towards the polls.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, who attended the event as chief guest, assured the ambassador that the government would work to maintain peace during the election period.
“I want to assure you on behalf of the government that every effort will be put to ensure that it is a peaceful, free and fair election for every Kenyan,” Kinyanjui said.
Kinyanjui also pointed to Kenya’s established electoral calendar, saying the country has repeatedly held elections and continued with national activities after the contests.“I think one of the greatest strengths of this nation is that we have elections on specific dates.
They come and go, and the nation moves forward,” he said.The CS said the government would put measures in place to protect peace and allow Kenyans to participate in the electoral process freely.
Groth’s remarks come as pressure mounts on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to deliver a transparent and credible election.
Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the management of the electoral process, including allegations surrounding voter registration and the integrity of the voters’ roll.
Against that backdrop, Groth said public trust in electoral institutions would remain central to the credibility of the 2027 election.
The ambassador has previously called for greater transparency in political campaign financing, arguing that voters should know the sources of money used by political parties and candidates.
He cited Germany’s system, where political parties receive public funding based on electoral performance and large donations face disclosure requirements.“Germany has had its own scandals, too, but we’ve learned from them,” Groth said in a previous interview.
He argued that Kenya could strengthen its electoral system by improving monitoring and accountability in political financing.“Where we are now is a relatively high level of monitoring and accountability, and that’s something Kenya could also benefit from,” he said.
Also present at the Germany Unity Day reception were Government Spokesperson Charles Owino and Foreign Affairs Director General Josephat Maikara.With political parties already positioning themselves for the 2027 contest, Germany’s call places renewed attention on the role of electoral institutions, political actors and civil society in protecting the credibility of the polls.
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