As Kenya gears up for the 2027 general elections, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management, Eliud Owalo, has called for careful consideration and responsible use of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Speaking at a regional conference focused on the role of AI, digital, and social media in Kenya’s elections, Owalo emphasized the need to safeguard the nation’s democratic processes against the harmful effects of misuse.
The rapid growth of AI and digital platforms has revolutionized communication, but it has also introduced new challenges, especially in the political arena. Owalo, acknowledging that the country cannot afford to ignore technological advancements, stressed the importance of harnessing these tools for positive and constructive purposes. However, he warned that AI-driven misinformation and disinformation campaigns have the potential to manipulate public opinion and create instability.
“In the context of the upcoming 2027 elections, we must take extra caution to ensure that these technologies are not used to sow division, confusion, or mistrust among the electorate,” Owalo said. “The rise of AI brings with it the risk of deepfake videos, false narratives, and other misleading content that can easily be propagated through social media platforms.”
The Deputy Chief of Staff urged stakeholders in the tech industry, government, and civil society to collaborate in setting up mechanisms that monitor and control the spread of harmful content. He also advocated for the development of policies that would encourage transparency in the use of AI and digital platforms during elections. Furthermore, Owalo emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to educate the electorate on how to identify and respond to misinformation.
Keen to ensure that Kenya’s democratic institutions remain robust and resilient, Owalo pointed out that technology, when used responsibly, can enhance the electoral process. AI tools, for instance, can assist in voter registration, improve the efficiency of election operations, and even help detect electoral fraud. However, without proper safeguards, these same tools could be used to undermine the election process.
In the same conference, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka weighed in on a pressing issue concerning the governance of Kenya’s electoral body. Musyoka, who also attended the event, called for the immediate reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that any further delay could plunge the country into a deeper constitutional crisis.
“I believe the IEBC needs to be fully constituted without delay to ensure that the election process in 2027 is smooth, transparent, and free of any manipulation,” Musyoka stated. “The integrity of the electoral process must not be compromised, and we must act swiftly to avoid a repeat of past challenges.”
Musyoka’s remarks reflect growing concerns about the capacity of the current IEBC to conduct free and fair elections. Kenya’s 2022 election faced significant challenges, including disputes over the outcome and questions about the independence and impartiality of the electoral commission. As the country approaches the next general elections, the urgency for electoral reforms has never been more apparent.
The call for an overhaul of the IEBC is echoed by many political and civil society leaders who argue that the commission’s credibility is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the country. In the context of the growing influence of technology, especially AI and social media, the role of a transparent, efficient, and well-resourced electoral body becomes even more significant.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the intersection of technology, political integrity, and governance will continue to shape the national conversation. With leaders like Owalo advocating for responsible use of AI and Musyoka pushing for urgent electoral reforms, Kenya stands at a critical juncture in its efforts to strengthen its democracy and ensure a fair electoral process. The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for the future of the country’s governance and its democratic principles.
