Political parties must do more than promise peaceful elections and instead take concrete responsibility for ensuring Kenyans can vote without fear in the 2027 General Election, British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh has said.
Baugh said the coming election should be safe, secure and conducted in a way that protects the interests of all Kenyans, placing responsibility on political actors to safeguard the electoral process as the country heads towards another major political contest.
“We all know that next year we will have an election. I think it is incumbent upon all parties—and all parties are professing this—to ensure that the elections are conducted safely, securely and in the interests of all Kenyans. I am confident that they can be.”
The British envoy spoke during a visit to The Walk School in Nakuru City on Tuesday, August 18, where he met children and officials at the institution that supports learners from disadvantaged families, including those living around the Gioto dumpsite.
His message comes as political parties and leaders position themselves for the 2027 contest, with questions around security, peaceful participation and protection of citizens likely to remain central as the election approaches.
Baugh said political parties cannot leave the responsibility of securing the electoral process to others, arguing that all political actors have a role in ensuring citizens are able to participate freely.
He made the remarks alongside the school's director, Pastor Alex Maina, during a visit that also focused on the importance of education in changing the lives of children facing difficult circumstances.
Baugh said every child should have an opportunity to get a strong start in life, regardless of their background or where they come from.
“Our mission is simple: to ensure that every child in this country gets the best possible opportunity and the best start in life. That begins in places like this, because schools provide the foundations for the future. They are places of beginnings, idea factories and dream factories.”
The Walk School serves children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including families living near the Gioto dumpsite, where many residents face social and economic difficulties.
Baugh said education should go beyond helping children acquire knowledge, saying schools should also give learners room to develop ideas, discover their abilities and set goals for their future.
He further recognised community members who support efforts aimed at improving the lives of others, saying such contributions can make a difference beyond the immediate people being helped.
The High Commissioner said cooperation between communities, leaders and partners was helping create opportunities and improve the lives of people in different parts of the country.
Baugh became Britain's High Commissioner to Kenya in April 2026, taking over from Neil Wigan. Before moving to Nairobi, he served as the UK's Director for Migration and Conflict and held senior roles covering Euro-Atlantic security, Africa and the European Union.
He was also British Ambassador to Somalia between 2010 and 2013.
Since taking up his current position, Baugh has been involved in areas covering British investment, development and efforts to expand opportunities for Kenyans, with education forming part of the wider cooperation between Kenya and the UK.
In May, he attended the listing of Kenya's first Infrastructure Fund on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, which raised Sh3.4 billion, including Sh1.2 billion from a UK investment.
British-supported programmes have also continued to back education and services aimed at vulnerable communities.
His Nakuru visit placed education and the country's political future at the centre of his message, with Baugh stressing the need to give children opportunities while urging political parties to help create a safe environment for Kenyans to participate in the 2027 elections.