Kenya to hire 290 constituency election monitors

 

Kisumu county commissioner Maalim Mohamed (2nd right) leads residents of Kisumu county in a peace walk on May 27 2017. He urged the residents to preach peace and co-existence as the country prepares for the August General Election.PIC BY COLLINS ODUOR

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties is set to hire 290 constituency election monitors at a cost of Sh7.5 million, The Standard has learnt.

According to Registrar of Political Parties Lucy Ndung'u, those interested are expected to hand in their applications by today.

Each will be hired on one-month contract and paid Sh1,000 a day starting June 5.

The officials are expected to monitor compliance by political parties to the Constitution, the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, and the Political Parties Act.

They will also monitor any illegal activities, including violence, during campaigns.

Separately, the Government has intensified peace campaigns ahead of the August elections.

In Nyanza, a number of peace initiatives have been arranged for Siaya, Kisumu, Nyamira, Kisii, Migori, and Homa Bay counties.

According to Regional County Commissioner Wilson Njenga, the peace initiatives will help to promote social cohesion in the region.

"We want people to co-exist harmoniously and stay in peace even as the election campaigns begin," said Mr Njenga.

He said security has been intensified during the electioneering period.

The official campaigns kicked off with a section of the National Super Alliance team led by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho visiting Siaya.

The county security team will be coordinated by County Commissioner Mohammed Maalim, who warned that acts of lawlessness would not be tolerated.