Nairobi - Extensive security measures are in place for Kenya's general elections on Monday, South Africa's Deputy International Relations Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim said.
"The police inspector general reported that the mobilisation and deployment of 99 000 security officers across the country was underway," Ebrahim said in a statement.
"He said police were under instructions to deal firmly with anyone who might try to disrupt the voting process, and that there will be proper security checks before voters enter polling stations."
Ebrahim briefed journalists in Pretoria on Monday.
The elections are the first since a bloody post-poll violence five years ago in which over 1100 people were killed.
A South African delegation, including officials and members of civil society, was observing the elections under the auspices of the African Union election observation mission and various other accredited monitoring teams, Ebrahim said.
"The South African government hopes that the elections will contribute to the consolidation of democracy, and wishes the people of Kenya a successful, peaceful, and democratic election."
Ebrahim said preparations were underway for the fifth Brics summit, to be held in Durban from March 26 to 27.
"A number of road shows are taking place across the country this week as part of a nation-wide campaign to raise public awareness around the importance of South Africa's membership of the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and the benefits thereof."
The roadshows are taking place in Durban and Cape Town. - Sapa
IOLSA