The Senate has engaged key government institutions on their preparedness to ensure a free, peaceful, inclusive and secure 2027 General Election.
The Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration held discussions with representatives from the National Police Service (NPS), National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The meeting, held in Nakuru County on Thursday, October 29, 2026, was chaired by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute.
During the engagement, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja outlined the NPS’s 16-month election security roadmap, which comprises 28 activities covering security planning, intelligence gathering, stakeholder engagement and protection of electoral infrastructure.
NCIC Chief Executive Officer Dr Daniel Mutegi Giti presented the Commission’s Uchaguzi Bila Noma initiative, which seeks to promote peaceful coexistence and address hate speech, ethnic mobilisation and political intolerance ahead of the elections.
Media Council of Kenya Chairman Maina Muiruri highlighted emerging challenges in election coverage, including misinformation, disinformation, AI-generated deepfakes, political polarisation and threats to journalists.
He emphasised the importance of fact-checking, responsible reporting and accountability in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
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The Communications Authority informed the committee that its broadcast monitoring systems currently capture content from 261 radio stations and 99 television channels.
The authority also reported that it was working with mobile network operators to improve connectivity and strengthen cybersecurity surveillance.
The institutions underscored the need for adequate resources, timely information sharing and stronger inter-agency collaboration to address emerging threats and prevent electoral violence.
The committee emphasised the importance of clear institutional mandates, early intervention and coordinated action while safeguarding media freedom and the rights of citizens.
The meeting followed a statement by Tharaka Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya seeking clarification on measures being put in place to guarantee peaceful, inclusive and secure elections in 2027.
Senators James Lomenen, Consolata Wakabubwi, Daniel Maanzo and Godfrey Osotsi also attended the meeting alongside committee chairperson Mohamed Chute.
