Influence of Inter-Governmental Organizations on the Performance of the Independent Boundaries and Elections Commission (IEBC) of Kenya in the Electoral Processes

Abstract

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and their agencies are the cornerstones of international relations, playing critical roles in the implementation of foreign policies and interstate engagements. The United Nations through its agencies is the premier global Intergovernmental Organization while regional foreign relations agendas have been acted through organizations such as the European Union, African Union, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The purpose of this study will be to analyze the influence of inter-governmental organizations on the performance of the Independent Boundaries and Elections Commission of Kenya (IEBC) in Kenya's national elections. The study adopted a mixed approach methodology. The study targeted respondents from the three IGOs as well as the IEBC. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed that the involvement of intergovernmental organizations in the electoral process at all stages was crucial if the performance of the electoral body was to be affirmed. This finding of this study will inform the policy and operational interests of the IGOs and contribute to the assessment of the role of these organizations in the political agenda of developing countries such as Kenya.