Mudavadi lauds Kenya’s push for stronger governance oversight in Africa
By Kiprono Keileb, January 29, 2026Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to stronger governance and accountability across the continent, using a high-level engagement with African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) leadership to restate the country’s long-standing role in promoting democratic values.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Mudavadi positioned Kenya as an active supporter of African-led systems aimed at checking power, strengthening institutions, and protecting citizens.
The statement followed his meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the APRM Continental Secretariat, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, where Mudavadi said the discussions focused on governance oversight, accountability, and the future of democratic reforms in Africa. Mudavadi’s remarks come at a time when governance standards, public trust in institutions, and democratic backsliding remain key concerns in several African states. He stressed Kenya’s continued belief in APRM as a key African accountability tool.
“Kenya remains firmly committed to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as Africa’s leading platform for self-assessment, accountability, and good governance,” he wrote.
He then explained the purpose of the engagement with APRM leadership and Kenya’s role within the continental framework.
“Met with Marie Rose, CEO of the APRM Continental Secretariat, where I reaffirmed Kenya’s strong support for APRM’s mandate and operations across the continent,” he wrote.
Mudavadi went on to link the engagement to Kenya’s broader development and governance agenda, saying the country sees APRM as central to inclusive growth and democratic stability.
“Our engagement reflects Kenya’s deep commitment to inclusive development, democratic governance, and socio-economic transformation, anchored within APRM’s continental architecture,” the statement reads.
He also highlighted leadership changes within APRM, welcoming the appointment of a Kenyan academic to a senior continental role, which he described as a boost to the institution’s work.
“I also welcomed the inclusion of Olive Mugenda as an APRM Panel Member and Chairperson, confident that her leadership and experience will add significant value to APRM’s work,” he wrote.
Mudavadi concluded by acknowledging the Kenyan officials present at the meeting, underscoring the country’s coordinated approach to governance diplomacy at both national and continental levels.
“Present were Samori Okwiya, CEO, NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat, and Sospeter Oojamong, Chairperson, NEPAD/APRM Kenya National Governing Council,” he wrote.
Mudavadi said Nairobi’s intent to remain actively involved in shaping standards on accountability, leadership, and institutional integrity at a time when democratic governance remains under strain in parts of the continent.