July 22, 2009
* Opening address by Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ)
* Luncheon address by Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Johnnie Carson
* Two panels featuring experts, activists and a delegation of Kenyan parliamentarians, including
Hon. Kenneth Marende, Speaker of the Parliament of Kenya

Event Information: ned.org/events/kenya2009/kenya.html

Kenya continues to struggle with the consequences of the disputed December 2007 elections, including the massive post-election violence and deep political divisions despite the Government of National Unity. As Kenya begins a renewed effort to amend in a meaningful way its constitution and to prepare for the elections that are scheduled for 2012, it faces an historic challenge: Can its leaders summon the political will for undertaking fundamental reforms, or will Kenya—with troubling implications for the entire East Africa region—inexorably return to the pattern of chauvinism, violence, and corruption that cost hundreds of lives, crippled the economy, and severely tarnished its reputation as an emerging democracy and a stable ally of the United States? On the occasion of a visit to Washington by a delegation of Kenyan legislators, including the Speaker of the Parliament Kenneth Marende, the conference will address this challenge and also examine the role of the Kenyan legislature in the context of a unity government trying to grapple with the tensions that were released in the aftermath of the last elections.

The National Endowment for Democracy, which (along with its core party, business and labor institutes) is actively engaged with Kenyan partners, is honored to host this conference and does so in the hope that it will contribute to strengthening democracy in Kenya.