Interior CS Fred Matiang'i speaks after a meeting with foreign ambassadors. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Foreign ambassadors have expressed confidence in the preparations for the August 9 General Election.

The envoys spoke after meeting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, his ICT colleague Joe Mucheru and National Treasury Principal Secretary Julius Muia at a city hotel.

Also present at the meeting was Attorney General Paul Kihara, Deputy Inspector General Edward Mbugua and Kenya Private Sector Alliance CEO Carol Kariuki.

‘‘I would like to say in terms of preparation for elections, there was a convincing presentation from the government side but also practical examples of how the country is prepared to make sure the election can be safe, secure, open and peaceful,’’ said Frans Makken, the Ambassador of Netherlands to Kenya and chairman of development partners.

He added: ‘‘That makes us feel comfortable and we will be at the assistance of the government whenever it calls upon us.’’

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The envoy also said they discussed the drought situation that had affected more than 4 million Kenyans, especially in the arid and semi-arid areas.

He said they exchanged ideas on what could be done to address the situation. ‘‘We also exchanged ideas on refugee policies and the planning that the government is doing. We are very strong behind the government in making new ideas workable,’’ he said.

Dr Matiang’i said the meeting was one of the several held to address issues affecting the country.

‘‘We are grateful for the productive and strong relationship we have had with our development partners. We are ready, prepared and committed to supporting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct the elections,’’ he said.

‘‘We will do everything it will take and under the law to fulfil our constitutional mandate of ensuring a peaceful elections, effective transition and a stable country because our democracy has come of age and the people of Kenya want a peaceful election,’’ the CS added.

He said inflation had affected the world and worsened by global events, including the ongoing Russia and Ukraine war.

‘‘We know that its a challenge we are confronting and our development partners understand it and are willing to work with us because they too are passing through the same challenges,’’ said Matiang’i.