Assessment of USAID Support for Kenya’s 2017 Elections

The elections were held on August 8, 2017, with over 15 million Kenyans participating. The elections were marked by a high level of voter turnout, with many citizens exercising their right to vote for their preferred candidates. USAID's support for the 2017 Kenyan elections was a key aspect of the country's democratic development. The agency's strategy for the elections focused on enhancing professionalism, independence, and efficiency of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the judiciary. This was achieved through support to election management and administration, as well as support to election dispute resolution. One of the key findings of the assessment was that USAID's support to the IEBC and the judiciary was critical in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The agency's assistance helped to strengthen the capacity of these institutions, enabling them to manage the elections effectively and efficiently. The assessment also noted that USAID's support to election observation and voter education was also crucial in promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The assessment team conducted a comprehensive review of USAID's support to the 2017 Kenyan elections, including an analysis of the agency's strategy and implementation. The team also conducted key informant interviews with stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners. The assessment highlighted the importance of coordination and communication among stakeholders in ensuring the success of the electoral process. The assessment made several recommendations for future USAID programming, including the need for continued support to the IEBC and the judiciary. The report also emphasized the importance of promoting electoral accountability and transparency, as well as strengthening citizen engagement and women and youth leadership. Additionally, the assessment highlighted the need for continued support to conflict prevention and early warning early response mechanisms. The assessment was conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, under contract with USAID. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of USAID's support to the 2017 Kenyan elections and offers recommendations for future programming. The assessment is a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in democratic development and electoral support. The assessment team's methodology included a review of USAID's strategy and implementation, as well as key informant interviews with stakeholders. The team also analyzed data on voter turnout, election results, and other relevant indicators. The assessment was conducted in accordance with USAID's evaluation guidelines and standards. The assessment's findings and recommendations have implications for future USAID programming in Kenya and other countries. The report highlights the importance of continued support to electoral institutions, as well as the need for promoting electoral accountability and transparency. The assessment also emphasizes the importance of strengthening citizen engagement and women and youth leadership in the electoral process. The assessment's methodology and findings are relevant to policymakers, practitioners, and researchers interested in democratic development and electoral support. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of USAID's support to the 2017 Kenyan elections and offers recommendations for future programming. The assessment is a valuable resource for those interested in promoting democratic development and electoral support in Kenya and other countries.