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By Melisa Mong’ina
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) to strengthen election reporting and curb misinformation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The agreement, supported by the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA), was signed during a breakfast meeting held alongside discussions on the upcoming Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the partnership aims to enhance transparency and improve public access to electoral information.
“We have significant tasks ahead of us, particularly the management of the 2027 General Election. We are currently preparing for the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration, which will be launched on March 30, 2026, in Shimoni, Kwale County,” he said.
Ethekon said the Commission will provide timely and accurate updates throughout the electoral period and grant accredited journalists access to polling and tallying centres. He added that journalists will also receive training on election processes.
He noted that the IEBC will work with media stakeholders to explain the transmission of results from polling stations to constituency and national tallying centres to reduce public anxiety.
The Commission also called on the media to uphold accuracy and verify information before publication.
“Let us encourage every Kenyan aged 18 and above, especially the youth, to register to vote. Let us promote peace throughout the electoral cycle, violence has no place in democracy,” Ethekon said.
Eric Oduor, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), warned of increased misinformation in the lead-up to the elections and called for deeper engagement between the Commission and the media.
“We hope that through our partnership, IEBC will set up a media centre with a fact-checking desk where journalists can work to counter fake news,” he said.
Zubeida Kananu, President of the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), said the 2027 elections will be shaped by a rapidly evolving digital media environment, including social media platforms and emerging technologies.
“We must also prepare for the ‘Deepfake Election.’ This MoU is not merely a peer contract. We expect the Commission to provide accurate information at the right time to dispel rumours before they spread. We have agreed on the rules of engagement and have chosen a partnership based on integrity over convenience,” she said.
Lilian Mahiri-Zaja said the media plays a key role in building public trust by ensuring consistent public engagement in the electoral process.
