Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the political situation in Kenya ahead of August's Presidential and General Elections.

The UK commends Kenya's early preparations for their August elections. The UK and likeminded partners provide technical support to Kenya's independent institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the security sector and judiciary. This is supporting Kenya's ability and capacity to deliver free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections.

During my visit to Kenya on 17-18 January I spoke with senior government representatives about the necessity for Kenya to hold peaceful elections, for Kenya and the wider region, and offered UK assistance in support. I also met representatives of womens' organisations from across the country to hear about their concerns about the safety of women, girls and others during the election period. The UK continues to urge all parties to peacefully engage in elections.

The UK's bilateral relationship with Kenya, underpinned by our Strategic Partnership, stretches across a broad range of issues: mutual prosperity, security and stability, sustainable development, climate change, and promoting the many links between our people.

The UK is engaging all top level candidates and coalitions to ensure we understand their priorities and interests, as well as continuing to work with the current government. It is for the people of Kenya to decide who they elect as their leaders.