Kenya signs Host Country Agreement with International IDEA to strengthen continental democracy

NAIROBI – Following the Cabinet’s approval on 11 February 2025, today on 24 March, Kenya signed on a Host Country Agreement with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), reinforcing its commitment to democratic governance in Africa.

The agreement, signed by Prime Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs H.E. Musalia Mudavadi and International IDEA Secretary-General Kevin Casas-Zamora, further establishes Nairobi as a regional hub for democracy initiatives and highlights Kenya’s support of democratic initiatives across the continent.

With the agreement now in place, International IDEA will expand its presence in Nairobi with a regional office. The new regional office will build on the Institute’s existing work in Kenya, including initiatives focused on women’s political participation, support to political parties, devolution, and governance reforms. The regional office will serve as a platform for deeper engagement with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to support democratic resilience across Africa.

"Several spaces and entry points already exist for stronger collaboration between Kenya and International IDEA, especially in new areas of digitalisation and its impact on democratic governance," said Mudavadi. "Kenya can benefit from the technical assistance and research work that International IDEA does in the Horn of Africa,” and also engagement at the African Union level.

“Signing the HCA is a great milestone for International IDEA. It provides a basis to expand our work in Kenya and as a hub for Africa. At a time when democracy is under pressure across Africa and globally, collaborations like this one are more important than ever,” said Casas-Zamora.

The signature of the agreement follows productive discussions between International IDEA and Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, underscoring the government’s prioritisation of strategic engagements in regional and global dialogues on democracy.

"Kenya will be happy to consider potential membership in International IDEA", said Dr Korir SingOei, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs. 

International IDEA remains committed to working closely with the Government of Kenya and other partners to promote sustainable democracy, strengthen institutions and advance democracy across the continent.