Political & economic relation
The EU encourages and supports Kenyan efforts to enhance democracy and pluralism, to ensure good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights. These principles constitute the framework of the Cotonou Agreement, the document governing the partnership between ACP countries and the EU. The Agreement provides for a regular political dialogue to exchange information and foster mutual understanding in promoting the key elements of democracy.
Political dialogue between Kenya and the EU, whether formal or informal, is open, constructive and covers a broad scope of areas of mutual concern. On a regular basis, the EU discusses issues related to the political situation in the country and all aspects of governance both with the Government of Kenya and with civil society. Recognizing the importance of civil society in policy-making, advocacy and in promoting accountability, the EU consults regularly on relevant issues with non-governmental institutions, the private sector, the media, and other stakeholders.
The EU is part of the international efforts to promote democratic development in Kenya. In this regard, it supports the Panel of Eminent African Personalities in encouraging implementation of the reform agenda agreed by the Government of Kenya after the 2007-08 post-election crisis (http://www.dialoguekenya.org/).
Together with other international partners, the EU is a stout supporter of the International Criminal Court and the fight against impunity.
To assist the transformation and credibility of the electoral system, the EU organizes and participates in the election observation missions (http://www.eueomkenya.org/Main/English/default.html/).
Support for human rights defenders is a long established element of the
external relations policy of the EU. The EU Delegation together with the EU
member states, implements its support in accordance with the EU Guidelines on
Human Rights Defenders (Guidelines in English 
[203 KB] , Guidelines in Swahili [394 KB] ).
The EU recognises the strong link between economic and political reforms. As a major source of development assistance to Kenya, the EU has been supportive of reform and poverty reduction policies, contributing to initiatives in the field of good governance, democratisation and human rights, as well as to economic and public sector reform.
EU-Kenya political dialogue aims at strengthening the partnership between the EU and Kenya, enabling the EU to play its role in supporting change and development in Kenya more effectively.