IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon addressing media actors during a roundtable meeting in Nairobi. Photo Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has initiated a renewed call for collaboration with the media as part of its early preparations for the 2027 General Election.
In a high-level consultative roundtable held today in Nairobi, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon emphasized the critical role of the media in enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust in the electoral process.
Accompanied by fellow Commissioners and with support from Elgia Africa, Ethekon underscored the Commission’s commitment to fostering sustainable and constructive relationships with media stakeholders.
The meeting brought together leading media institutions including the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), and members of the Kenya Media Sector Working Group.
“The train has already left the station, and all of us—the Commission, the media, political parties, development partners, voters, civil society, state and non-state actors—are on board, riding together towards our democratic destination,” said Ethekon. “It is my hope that we will deepen the existing partnership with the Commission by reviewing and signing a new Memorandum of Understanding.”
The IEBC Chairperson reiterated that elections are not isolated events but part of a continuous and interconnected process that demands public participation and proactive communication.
He noted that effective information dissemination throughout the pre-election, election, and post-election periods is essential for informed decision-making and democratic legitimacy.
“The Commission needs to mobilize members of the public to participate in all electoral processes. This will not only lead to voters making informed choices but also a rise in voter turnout. I invite you to walk with us on this journey of service to our country,” he added.
The IEBC also committed to maintaining a flow of accurate and timely information as it continues implementing reforms and systems in preparation for the next polls. The Chairperson thanked Elgia Africa for supporting the engagement and appreciated the media fraternity for honouring the Commission’s invitation.
Today’s roundtable marks the beginning of a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening electoral integrity through improved media collaboration and public awareness.
