MCK and IEBC join forces for fair election coverage in Kenya
Collaboration will ensure proactive sharing of election information, strategic knowledge exchange, and skills development for both media and election officials
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have pledged to merge their expertise and mandates to foster a conducive environment for managing elections in Kenya.
A meeting between the MCK board, chaired by Maina Muiruri, and IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon on Tuesday agreed on the urgent need for a collaborative framework.
This, the two institutions believe, will ensure proactive sharing of election information, strategic knowledge exchange, and skills development for both media and election officials to rebuild trust in Kenya’s electoral processes.
Muiruri reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to professional election coverage.
“We aim to ensure media coverage of elections is not only professional and responsible but also fair, accurate, comprehensive, and informative, providing a balanced platform for citizens, candidates, and political parties to express diverse political views,” he said.
He also urged the media to monitor the fairness and credibility of the electoral process and contribute to peaceful national elections.
Ethekon highlighted the media’s vital role in democracy, stating: “A robust democracy requires a comprehensive, long-term strategy for media and election preparedness, rather than sporadic efforts. This will ensure a well-informed, professional, and independent media.”
MCK CEO David Omwoyo emphasised the need for heightened media responsibility during key democratic moments like elections.
“As Kenya’s sole media regulator, we prioritise public interest, impartiality, balance, cohesion, and unity. Our goal is to ensure media practitioners uphold these values during the electioneering period,” he said.
