As the nation prepares for the 2027 General Elections, hate speech and the spread of misinformation and disinformation stand out as urgent challenges that must be addressed.
On 18th August 2025, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, held a consultative meeting with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to explore areas of collaboration. In his opening remarks, the IEBC Chairperson thanked NCIC for honoring the invitation, acknowledging the history of strong partnership between the two institutions and expressing optimism for continued cooperation.
The meeting reaffirmed NCIC’s commitment to advancing national unity, eliminating ethnic discrimination, and promoting tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence among Kenyans. Together, IEBC and NCIC underlined their shared responsibility to safeguard democracy, strengthen inclusivity, and promote peace across the country.
Commissioner Ann Nderitu (IEBC) emphasized the importance of the “List of Fame and Shame” as one of the most effective tools in combating hate speech—recognizing responsible actors while exposing perpetrators. She stressed that this approach should be strengthened but cautioned that hate speech cannot be addressed in isolation. Collaboration between IEBC and NCIC is vital to pool resources, overcome budgetary challenges, and integrate anti-hate initiatives into broader civic education programs. “Working together, rather than in silos, will strengthen the fight against divisive rhetoric and reinforce public trust in democratic processes,” she added.
Commissioner Dr. Danvas Makori (NCIC) highlighted the growing menace of misinformation and disinformation, describing them as “the greatest threat to democracy in the digital age.” He underscored that “You cannot win the minds of Kenyans until you win on misinformation and disinformation.” According to him, the solution lies in proactively providing citizens with accurate and timely information through robust social media monitoring, innovative communication strategies, and decisive countermeasures against false narratives that erode public confidence.
Commissioner Hon. (Eng.) Phillip Okundi, EBS, HSC (NCIC) noted that the lack of trust in institutions has historically fueled tensions, sometimes culminating in violent elections. Breaking this cycle, he said, requires engaging Kenya’s Gen Z—not as passive observers but as active allies. As digital natives, they are uniquely positioned to challenge disinformation, champion transparency, and foster a culture of accountability. He further warned that Kenya continues to grapple with reconciliation and inclusivity deficits. Unfulfilled promises of the new constitution and political handshakes perceived as symbolic rather than unifying have deepened public cynicism.
“Without genuine reconciliation, cycles of division and mistrust risk recurring—with dangerous consequences,” he said. IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah, OGW, raised concern over persistent societal challenges, particularly cyberbullying of women in leadership—often fueled by powerful actors—and cultural norms that discourage women’s political participation. Addressing these requires youth-focused education, deliberate empowerment of women leaders, and collective efforts to dismantle entrenched inequalities.
NCIC Chairperson Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia reiterated the Commission’s mandate: “NCIC is mandated to facilitate and promote equality of opportunity, good relations, harmony and peaceful co-existence between persons of different ethnic, religious and racial communities of Kenya, and to advise the Government on all aspects thereof.”
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon closed the meeting by reaffirming the need for a structured partnership: “We look forward to identifying key areas where NCIC and IEBC can collaborate under a clear framework of partnership, guided by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). A top priority is election security—building on past successes and enhancing robust measures that safeguard electoral integrity and promote peace.”