ESAP Team Reviews Elections Security Training Materials
 30th Dec 2021

As part of its continuous effort to improve the electoral process, IEBC is implementing an elaborate programme dubbed the Election Security Arrangement Project (ESAP) in conjunction with National Police Service (NPS), Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, the Judiciary, National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Independent Police Oversight Authority, National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management, Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and Civil Society. The objective of the project is to undertake election security coordination and a framework for managing the security aspects of the 2022 General Election.

The inter-agency team met in Kisumu for a working retreat from 19 to 24 December 2021, to develop NPS/IEBC ESAP 2022 training materials, a strategy on national public awareness and sensitization campaign on election security, and election security communication strategy. The team also developed a strategy document on national public awareness and sensitization campaign on election security; communications strategy; and information, education and communication materials for sharing with members of the public and special interest groups.

So far, the team has held several engagements including a national planning meeting, high level discussion between IEBC Commissioners and top leadership of the NPS, and a workshop to review ESAP materials (Handbook on election security, Election security guide/Police role card, Training manual and joint implementation plan). These activities are in line with the Commission’s Elections Operations Plan (EOP), which identifies Elections Security as a key pillar towards delivering free, fair and credible elections.

While closing the workshop, the Deputy Inspector General who was represented by Karanja Muiruri, AIG Regional Police Commander Nyanza, observed that election security is a critical element of any democratic election and the role played by both state and non-state actors cannot be taken for granted. “The review of training materials and manual by ESAP is a clear indication that the election security preparedness is on course and that all relevant stakeholders are committed to deliver a free, fair and credible election,” he noted.