Nairobi, Kenya: The IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Ambassador Mahboub Maalim this morning congratulated the people of Kenya for maintaining peace throughout the election process and praised them for high turnout and exemplary discipline on the 4th March polling day demonstrating to the region and the whole world their democratic maturity.

Speaking to the media and representatives of several institutions that partnered with IGAD to propagate peace during the campaign period leading to the general elections, Amb. Mahboub also congratulated the Chairman, the Commissioners and the entire staff of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the transparent and professional manner in which they conducted the electoral process, despite some challenges.

“Peace and stability in this country will guarantee progress and prosperity of the entire region,” he stated, calling upon the Kenyan people to maintain peace and tranquility they had shown throughout the electoral process. The IGAD Executive Secretary assured Kenyans of the region’s continued support and solidarity.

From mid last year, IGAD worked with a number of Kenyan organizations to research on possible conflict areas and propagate the peace agenda during the campaign period leading to the general elections.

These organizations include the Office of the President, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education, the Brand Kenya Board, The Consulting House, the Global Peace Foundation, the National Youth Sector Alliance to mention but a few.

Through collaborative research, conflict scenarios were developed and shared with various stakeholders to avert electoral violence. Young people were also mobilized under the National Youth Summit to discuss and find practical solutions.