Kenyan Elections Update

On August 9, 2022 Kenya held a presidential election. Conducted once every five years, Kenyan elections have historically resulted in protests, school closures, contested results, and even violence. For this reason, elections often mark a time of uncertainty and instability within the country. This year’s election day was peaceful and orderly, though the country has been majorly divided on matters of policy. On August 16, William Ruto was declared by the Electoral Commissioner to be the next President, with over 50% of the vote. The Electoral Commission itself was split on the vote counting accuracy, which made the declaration uncertain. The losing candidate Raila Odinga then filed a petition with the Supreme Court to review the results, but the court upheld the declaration. President Ruto has since been sworn in, and the transition to the new administration has happened without any major unrest or upheaval. The children at Korando are grateful that there was a peaceful election and transfer of power, and hope that the current government champions all Kenyans in unity.