Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has urged Kenyan media organizations to start early preparations for the 2027 general elections amid rising concerns about misinformation fueled by artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the launch of the Media Council of Kenya’s (MCK) Guidelines for Election Coverage 2027 and its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 in Nakuru, Kabogo emphasized the need to integrate these guidelines into editorial workflows to ensure accurate and balanced election reporting.
Challenges of AI in Election Coverage
Kabogo highlighted the rapid advancement of AI technologies that can produce false texts, images, and videos within minutes, warning that misinformation might spread faster than verified facts during the election period.
He stressed that the media will face an increasingly complex information landscape, making early adoption of professional standards crucial to maintaining public trust and electoral integrity.
Media Council of Kenya’s Role
- MCK Chairman Maina Muiruri described the launch as a vital step to strengthen Kenya’s media sector by enhancing the quality and credibility of election information.
- MCK CEO David Omwoyo referred to the strategic plan as a five-year roadmap and urged journalists to prioritize verified reporting over rushing to break news.
- Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu called on journalists to adhere strictly to core journalistic principles, including thorough verification and prioritizing the public interest.
The event also featured the commissioning of the MCK Nakuru Media Hub, a new facility aimed at supporting media development, training, and regulatory services in the region.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 polls, these initiatives underscore the growing emphasis on responsible journalism to counteract the threats posed by AI-generated misinformation and to safeguard democratic processes.
