The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Saturday held a meeting on Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (EVCR) and signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Commission and the Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG), which is a coalition of key media stakeholders.
Speaking during the launch, Commission Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, who was accompanied by Members of the Commission, said the MoU solidifies partnership in election reporting.
“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 (ECVR), which will be launched on Monday in Shimoni, Kwale County," Ethekon said.
He added that timely access to electoral information will be a priority, and IEBC will provide accurate and timely updates on all election-related matters during the electoral calendar that is being implemented.
"We will also grant access to all polling centres and tallying centres for accredited journalists, who will receive training to understand their duties," he said.
The IEBC Chair also said they will create a platform for collaboration to explain to Kenyans how results are transmitted from polling stations to constituency tallying centres and ultimately to the national tallying centre, to alleviate any anxiety in society.
"We agree on the importance of factchecking and holding the media accountable to verify information before publishing and broadcasting. To the media, I urge you to go out and capture the stories of the ECVR and all other electoral processes, from the remotest villages in our country to the cities. Remember, this is our country, and we all have a role to play in making democracy work. Together, let us be objective and factual in our engagement and reporting. 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,” said Ethekon.
He urged each party to be accountable for their actions, as both the media and the IEBC have a significant role to play.
"Those who call for accountability from the IEBC should also reflect on their own actions. Accountability is a two-way street, and everyone must play their part."
Eric Oduor, the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) Secretary General, cautioned on the anticipated increase in disinformation and misinformation in the lead up to the 2027 General Election. He said the Commission needs to interact with the media in ways that go beyond just news gathering and reporting.
“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,” said Oduor.
Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) President Zubeida Kananu said that free press and transparency at IEBC are values worth investing in and that the landscape of 2027 is a digital jungle. The landscape involves not only TV, radio and print media but also TikTok, Facebook, X (twitter), and the rise of alternative media.
“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,” said Kananu.
Lilian Mahiri-Zaja, a member of the Elgia Afric Board, said the media serves as a mediator, ensuring that the public is engaged, which helps build trust in the electoral process and supports the IEBC in fulfilling its mandate.
