Kenya Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Cooperation as South Sudan NEC begins study tour

Nairobi, February 17, 2025 – Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to supporting South Sudan's democratic processes as the South Sudan National Elections Commission (NEC) embarked on a technical study tour at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The engagement, held at the Kenya School of Government, was graced by Kenya’s Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix K. Koskei, EGH.

The high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the South Sudanese Embassy in Kenya, the Kenya-South Sudan Liaison Office (KESSULO), and development partners like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Mr. Koskei underscored Kenya’s historical ties with South Sudan, emphasizing that the relationship predated South Sudan’s independence in 2011, having been nurtured during the peace negotiations that led to its sovereignty.

“South Sudan’s democratic journey is critical not only to its people but to the region. We are honored to share our experiences in electoral management, drawing from our successes and lessons,” Mr. Koskei stated. He highlighted the three pillars of democracy—participation, information, and collective decision-making—as essential to credible electoral processes.

The visit by NEC comes at a crucial moment as South Sudan prepares for its landmark national elections, the first since gaining independence. The elections, set for December 2025, are widely viewed as a test of the country’s political stability and democratic commitment. Challenges such as voter registration, security, and public trust in the electoral system remain paramount concerns.

KESSULO, a diplomatic and technical coordination office facilitating Kenya-South Sudan relations, played a pivotal role in organizing the study tour. The office has been instrumental in fostering bilateral cooperation across governance, trade, and security, further strengthening ties between the two nations.

During his address, Mr. Koskei emphasized the importance of electoral integrity and transparency. “Electoral management bodies are the guardians of democracy. Trust in the process is paramount. Clear procedures, public transparency, and institutional integrity must guide every electoral cycle,” he said.

Drawing from Kenya’s electoral history, Mr. Koskei acknowledged past challenges, including disputed results and misinformation. He urged NEC officials to prioritize voter education, proactive communication, and stringent adherence to electoral laws to enhance credibility.

The study tour will allow the South Sudanese delegation to gain insights into Kenya’s electoral framework, including voter registration, results management, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The collaboration between NEC and IEBC is expected to bolster South Sudan’s preparedness for its upcoming elections.

As the session concluded, Mr. Koskei commended all stakeholders, including KESSULO, NEC, IEBC, and JICA, for their dedication to strengthening electoral democracy. “This engagement is a testament to our shared vision for a stable and democratic South Sudan. We look forward to continued partnership in ensuring credible and peaceful elections.”

With South Sudan's elections on the horizon, the exchange of knowledge and best practices signals a step forward in fostering democratic resilience in the region.