Kenyan authorities on Monday ordered the shutdown of an American NGO working on programmes related to the country's 2017 presidential election, according to a letter seen by AFP. The missive from the ministry of devolution and planning ordered the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) to immediately stop its $20 million (19 million euro) electoral assistance program, as it was not registered as an NGO in Kenya.
It also said all foreigners working for IFES had not obtained work permits, and were considered to be working in the country illegally. "The purpose of this communication therefore is to direct (IFES) to immediately cease all operations in the country ... until such time that IFES shall acquire a certificate of registration," read the letter. President Uhuru Kenyatta last week issued a warning to foreign countries who he accused of wanting to influence the 2017 polls by funding civil society organisations.
"There is already money coming from abroad in the guise of promoting good governance or civic education, however it's true intention is to influence our electoral choice," he said. "I urge all Kenyans to reject such interference, this is our country and no one should ever control our choices for their own selfish interest." According to its website, IFES, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is involved in a program to "strengthen key electoral institutions, improve citizen participation in the full electoral process, and promote dialogue and consensus-building to mitigate conflict."