Kenya on Monday signed a Host Country Agreement with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), paving the way for the establishment of a regional office in Nairobi.
The agreement was formalised in a ceremony at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, marking a key step in Kenya’s commitment to promoting democracy and multilateral cooperation.
IDEA, an intergovernmental organisation based in Stockholm, works globally to support and strengthen democratic institutions. The new regional office in Nairobi will enhance its efforts to support democratic transitions and address governance challenges across the continent.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of International IDEA, attended the signing ceremony. Senior officials, including Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir SingOei, also attended.
“This collaboration will solidify Nairobi’s position as a vital multilateral hub for democracy and governance,” Mudavadi said.
He added; “The expanded presence of International IDEA in Kenya aligns with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s agenda to deepen democratic governance. We are committed to working with IDEA on policy research and institutional building to expand the democratic dividend in Kenya and beyond.”
Dr. Casas-Zamora expressed optimism about the collaboration noting that this underscores Kenya’s commitment to regional diplomacy and international cooperation.
“Establishing our Regional Office in Nairobi will enable us to work more closely with African nations to strengthen electoral processes and constitutional frameworks and address governance challenges,” he said.
The partnership comes amidst Kenya navigating its political landscape, including political dynamics and coalition considerations. However, the government’s engagement with International IDEA signals a continued focus on democratic principles.
The agreement complements recent initiatives, such as International IDEA’s 3rd Annual Retreat for African Regional Economic Communities, held in Nairobi in October 2024, which focused on strengthening democratic institutions in Africa.
With the new office, International IDEA aims to deepen its impact through targeted programs and partnerships, such as providing technical assistance on election management and supporting constitutional reforms.
The establishment of International IDEA’s Regional Office in Nairobi marks a significant chapter in Kenya’s efforts to promote democratic governance and multilateral cooperation, potentially leading to greater stability and development across the region.
