Introduction

The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) is a citizen, domestic election observation coalition whose vision is to achieve credible, peaceful, free, and fair electoral processes in Kenya and the African Region by providing a sustainable platform for monitoring and observing electoral processes.

Background Information

Elections are a celebration of fundamental human rights as contained in international, regional and domestic instruments. Regular, genuine and democratic elections serve very critical roles in any society. Kenya has made strides in its electoral democracy especially after the enactment of its new constitution in 2010. According to ELOG reports and expert opinions on the same, Kenya’s elections have gradually improved with every election since 2013 with successive elections being better managed and conducted than the previous ones. Kenya's electoral history has also recorded contentious electoral (presidential) results and the emotionally charged post-election period. The 2017 presidential elections were nullified due to ‘illegalities and irregularities’, making Kenya as the 1st country in Africa to have its presidential election nullified by the highest election court in the land.

The concluded 2022 elections have also attracted very sharp criticisms from a section of citizens, CSOs and political parties despite the Supreme Court of Kenya’s validation of the declaration of the Presidential results as announced by the IEBC. Kenya’s elections have often led to outbreak of election related violence, deaths, rape, forced evictions and displacement of people, looting, arson and widespread destruction of property.

After its observation mission for the 2022 electoral process, ELOG produced and published its final observation report, From the Ballot to the Portal which detailed findings and recommendations on the conduct of the 2022 electoral processes. Further, and in partnership with the CSO’s Technical Working Group (TWG) and Uchaguzi Platform, ELOG held a national observers’ symposium which consolidated major findings and recommendations from all domestic observers arising the observation and engagements with the 2022 electoral processes.

A critical analysis of these reports (the ELOG report and the National Observers Symposium Report) revealed some of the critical gaps in Kenya’s electoral process which can be categorized as follows:

o Major trust deficits and suspicion

o Non-adherence to electoral laws/Impunity

o Gaps in Election Administration & Management

o Zero-Sum politics and inadequate political will

o Lack of inclusion & diversity

o High Costs of elections.

o Electoral fraud

o Use of technology

In both 2017 and 2022 observation reports, ELOG recommended the need for a citizen led comprehensive audit of Kenya’s electoral processes.

ELOG therefore intends to conduct a citizen led assessment of the 2022 electoral processes. In this regard, the assessment will focus mainly on 5 thematic areas namely Electoral Security, Voter Education, Electoral Legal Framework, Participation of SIGs in the electoral process and Election Administration and Management.

ELOG therefore seeks the services of a researcher who will work with a lead consultant carrying out an assessment on citizen’s views on the 2022 electoral processes as described below.

Overall Objective

The overall objective of this assessment is to assess whether Kenya’s 2022 electoral processes have met citizens’ expectations. The researcher will support in the tool development, administration of the tools, identification of the research population and other functions as will be agreed on.

Specific Objectives

Specifically, the assessment will address itself to the following objectives:

• Assess the level and extent of citizens' engagement in the 2022 electoral processes.

• Assess the level of the 2022 elections compliance to the electoral legal framework.

• Assess the level of effectiveness of (performance) of key agencies in the 2022 electoral process i.e. IEBC, ORPP, PPDT, Judiciary, Police, Media, CSOs among others.

• Identify key administrative, institutional, policy, legal and institutional reform proposals for consideration by Parliament and other relevant actors.

Terms of Reference for the Researcher

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Support in the conduct a literature review on the history of elections in Kenya, the electoral legal framework, and the role of key actors in the electoral process.

2. Support in the development of research tools, including questionnaires, interview guides, and focus group discussion (FGD) guides, to collect data on citizens' engagement, compliance to the electoral legal framework, and the effectiveness of key agencies in the electoral process.

3. Support the secretariat in the identification and selection of appropriate research participants, including citizens, civil society organizations, electoral management bodies, political parties, and government agencies.

4. Support in the data collection activities, including surveys, interviews, and FGDs, to gather data on citizens' engagement, compliance to the electoral legal framework, and the effectiveness of key agencies in the electoral process.

5. Support in the data analysis data collected from the research using appropriate statistical methods and qualitative analysis software.

6. Draft a comprehensive report on the research findings, highlighting the level of citizens' engagement, compliance to the electoral legal framework, and the effectiveness of key agencies in the electoral process.

7. Identify key reforms, administrative, institutional, policy, legal, and institutional for consideration by Parliament and other relevant actors based on the research findings.

8. Prepare and present the research findings to stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the media.

Qualifications and Requirements:

1. A minimum of a degree in social sciences or a related field.

2. Demonstrable experience in conducting research on governance, electoral processes, or related fields.

3. Excellent communication and report writing skills.

4. Strong analytical and statistical analysis skills.

5. Experience in working with civil society organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders in Kenya.

6. Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

7. Fluency in English and Swahili.

Timeline:

The research is expected to be completed within 3 months from the date of the signing of the contract. The timeline will be subject to negotiation and agreement between the researcher and the contracting agency.

How to apply.

Interested Candidates should appy by attaching a cover letter, current resume and copies of academic certficates. not later that 29th April 2023