Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured international partners that Kenya is putting in place measures to ensure peaceful elections in 2027 amid concerns over political tensions and security during the campaign period.
Murkomen said the National Police Service was strengthening its preparedness to secure all stages of the electoral process, including campaigns, voting, counting of ballots, declaration of results and the post-election period.
Speaking during a meeting with the Refugee Donor Group (RDG) Heads of Mission and other international partners in Nairobi, the CS expressed confidence that the country would conduct peaceful elections.
He acknowledged isolated incidents during political campaigns but maintained that such occurrences were manageable, arguing that some were sometimes exaggerated.
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The assurance comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election, with security agencies expected to play a key role in maintaining law and order throughout the electoral period.
Murkomen highlights gains under Shirika Plan
During the meeting, Murkomen also highlighted progress made under the government’s Shirika Plan, a 12-year initiative aimed at transforming refugee camps into integrated and self-reliant municipalities.
The CS cited improvements in social protection, financial inclusion, access to health insurance and the introduction of municipal governance structures as some of the milestones achieved under the programme.
He particularly pointed to the decision allowing registered refugees holding valid refugee identification cards to access M-Pesa services.
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The development is expected to expand financial inclusion among refugees by enabling them to participate in Kenya’s digital economy and access mobile-based financial services.
Murkomen thanked the Refugee Donor Group for its continued support, noting that partnerships with international organisations remained important in implementing the government’s refugee integration agenda.
Government’s refugee integration agenda
The Shirika Plan is designed to shift Kenya’s refugee management approach from reliance on traditional camp-based assistance towards a model that promotes self-reliance, economic participation and shared access to public services.
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Under the programme, refugee-hosting communities are expected to benefit from improved infrastructure, social services and economic opportunities, alongside refugees.
