The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Nairobi to promote a professional and responsible media environment in preparation for Kenya’s 2027 general election and upcoming by-elections.
The agreement outlines a collaborative approach to support journalist training, media accreditation, and improved access to reliable electoral information.
IEBC Chairman Dr Erastus Ethekon described the MoU as a vital step towards ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
Adding “Hate speech, ethnic division, and intimidation have no place in our elections. The media has a crucial role in shaping elections positively, and we aim to support open and credible outcomes."
MCK CEO David Omwoyo reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to maintaining high journalistic standards.“This MoU represents our joint effort to encourage ethical, accurate, and responsible media coverage,” he said.
Adding “We are actively engaging stakeholders such as the Kenya Union of Journalists, Kenya Editors Guild, and Bloggers Association of Kenya to reinforce our support for free and fair elections.”
Mr Omwoyo stressed the importance of addressing misinformation and disinformation, particularly given the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes. “As we approach 2027, tackling disinformation through enhanced media and digital literacy is essential to empower voters,” he said.
Commissioner Dr Alutalala Mukhwana, Chair of IEBC Communications and Publicity Committee, highlighted the importance of effective communication given the significance of elections. "We are committed to working closely with the media to share timely and accurate information with the public,” he said.
The MoU establishes a wide-ranging framework for collaboration, including training for journalists, independent content producers, and media practitioners on electoral processes, democracy, governance, and social development, with the IEBC providing expert facilitators.
It also encompasses capacity-building for IEBC Commissioners, staff, Returning Officers, and other personnel in media relations, crisis communication, and public speaking, alongside a streamlined accreditation process requiring journalists to present a valid MCK accreditation card or number to ensure professionalism.
To enhance access to electoral information, the partnership will establish media centres to provide journalists with supportive working environments and support joint voter and civic education initiatives to promote digital literacy and public awareness of the electoral process.
Further, a collaborative fact-checking platform will be set up to counter misinformation and disinformation related to elections, with further opportunities for cooperation to be explored as mutually agreed, marking a significant milestone in fostering credible elections and an informed electorate.
The MoU marks a significant milestone in ensuring Kenya’s media and electoral institutions collaborate effectively to support credible elections and an informed electorate.
