Abstract:
Electoral integrity is widely recognized as an indispensable element of democratic consolidation in the
developing world. However, achieving electoral integrity in these countries has been hindered, in part, by
their deficient capacity to invest in the essential resources required to enable key sectors to fulfill their roles
in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. Additionally, elections in these regions often report malpractice
characteristics such as electoral fraud, contested results, and protracted legal disputes over outcomes.
Consequently, external actors have been called upon to help bridge these gaps, foster peaceful political
transitions, and bolster the process of democratization. Despite substantial support from foreign actors, there
is a paucity of research focusing on the dynamics of their involvement through technical and capacitybuilding initiatives. Existing research often presents passive assertions about specific African countries,
leaving a dearth of empirical evidence regarding the extent and manner of external actors’ engagement in
these nations. Consequently, fundamental questions concerning when, how, and to what effect external
actors intervene in foreign electoral support efforts remain unanswered. This study investigates the
European Union’s contribution in supporting democratization in Kenya through technical and capacitybuilding assistance. Employing a case study approach and interpretive descriptive designs, the research
delves into the intricacies of EU electoral support in Kenya. By conducting purposive Key Informant
Interviews with representatives from key stakeholder institutions and administering surveys to 384
respondents, this study discerns that foreign technical and capacity-building assistance primarily occurs
during elections, despite EU policy documents emphasizing that elections are a process rather than a onetime event. The findings reveal that capacity building and technical support, while closely intertwined, are
analytically distinct components of EU support, both delivered through the basket fund mechanism. This
support is targeted at both governmental institutions involved in elections and non-governmental
stakeholders. Crucially, the study establishes that the extent to which the EU’s support can contribute to
free, fair, and credible elections hinges on the degree of “political hygiene” practiced by the political class
and political parties. In essence, the effectiveness of EU support is profoundly influenced by the conduct of
domestic political actors, highlighting the intricate interplay between foreign assistance and internal political
dynamics. The theoretical framework is guided by Professor Michal Doyle’s Liberal Democratic Peace
Theory.
