The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing credible election coverage and promoting transparency in the electoral process.
The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which both institutions hailed as a major milestone in strengthening cooperation.
Speaking during the ceremony, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the MoU provides a quasi-legal framework that will guide joint initiatives including training journalists on electoral processes, accrediting reporters for election coverage, and monitoring media content to curb hate speech, ethnic incitement, and harassment. The partnership will also focus on building the capacity of Commission staff in media relations and establishing information hubs to enhance public access to accurate electoral information.
“This collaboration is a significant step towards empowering voters, promoting transparency, and ensuring peaceful elections,” Mr. Ethekon noted.
Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana, Commissioner and Chairperson of the Voter Education, Partnerships, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Committee, underscored the importance of the partnership in safeguarding stability and public confidence.
“The Chairperson has always insisted on an open-door policy, and I want to assure you that we are ready to engage and consult at any time, because everything we do is for the nation,” Dr. Mukhwana said, while thanking MCK for its support and urging swift implementation of the MoU.
On his part, MCK CEO David Omwoyo Omwoyo, MBS, welcomed the deal, describing it as timely and essential in building trust in the electoral process. He stressed that credible media coverage remains central to sustaining confidence in the IEBC and the democratic process.
“Every Kenyan relies on the IEBC to conduct free and fair elections that protect peace and national stability. This MoU ensures that the media will play its role in supporting that mandate,” Mr. Omwoyo said.
The partnership comes as the country prepares for the November 27th by-elections, with both institutions pledging to counter misinformation and safeguard the integrity of the polls.
