The Commission took part in the inaugural County-level edition of the People Dialogue Festival (PDF) in Meru on 10th-11th July 2025. It was an engagement that focused on policy and electoral reforms discussions to shape vibrant citizen-led democratic dialogue hosted at the Meru National Polytechnic.
The forum dubbed “Building a Collaborative Society for Kenya’s sustainable future – The Meru we want” was the first in a series of events this year being part of the flagship initiative by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD- Kenya) for inclusive dialogue and transformative engagement in Kenya.
This year, it is the first time that CMD-Kenya is piloting county-level editions across four counties creating a dynamic space for citizens, experts, state and non- state actors to engage in meaningful dialogue and action. The county edition aims to bring the essence of the PDF closer to the grassroots by offering space for inclusive dialogue on governance, accountability, citizen engagement and development.
The event brought together leaders, citizens, government institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders to discuss pressing societal challenges, promote meaningful citizen engagement and co-create solutions for Kenya’s sustainable development. The Commission was represented by Meru County office led by Imenti North Ag. Senior Elections Officer (SEO) Consolata Muthoni and Tigania West SEO Edwin Kaburia.
This important event benefited the Commission as it provided an audience (mostly made of youth) for the Commission to conduct voter education; during the panel discussions/ dialogue sessions and in the exhibition booth. Joyce Ekuam, the Ag. Director Voter Education and Partnerships and Communication (DVEPC), said the event was an opportunity to enhance IEBC brand visibility, since the Commission had a branded exhibition booth bearing various Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials.
“The Commission had a chance to network with other players in the gender and youth development space, thereby strengthening partnerships and collaborations,” said Ekuam.
The Meru County political landscape has been characterised by tensions that have deepened societal divisions and threatened cohesion. The PDF offered a unique platform that ensured dialogue extended beyond political elites to include marginalised voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), women, youth, minorities, grassroot organisations.
The inclusion was vital in rebuilding trust in Kenya’s political systems and ensuring that voices shaping governance and development reflect the country’s diversity.