Nairobi: The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has warned of increasing pressure, misinformation, and disinformation facing the media as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, urging newsrooms to strengthen editorial independence, verification, and journalists’ safety.
According to Kenya News Agency, KEG President Zubeidah Kananu stated that journalists and media houses were already operating in an environment characterized by threats, intimidation, and attempts to restrict legitimate journalism. Kananu emphasized the importance of unity within the media fraternity, especially as the 2027 General Elections approach.
Speaking in Nairobi during the launch of the 2026 Annual Editors’ Convention, themed ‘Navigating the Storm: Media Resilience on the Road to 2027’, Kananu highlighted the expected increase in political tension and the complexities introduced by rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies. She noted that misinformation and disinformation are likely to become more sophisticated due to these technological advancements.
Kananu urged newsrooms to invest in the capacity of journalists and editors to verify information, counter false information, and use emerging technologies responsibly. She stressed that credible election coverage would depend on preparedness throughout the newsroom, from field reporters to editorial decision-makers.
She warned that the media must remain a reliable source of information even when political pressures intensify, as restrictions on journalism could undermine the public’s ability to make informed decisions. Kananu asserted that a credible election requires journalists to ask questions freely and access information without constraints.
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Assistant Director for Training and Curriculum Development Christine Nguku emphasized the critical role journalists and editors play in setting the election agenda, holding leaders accountable, and helping voters scrutinize candidates and their promises. Nguku encouraged media practitioners to uphold accuracy, accountability, independence, and objectivity while contributing to a peaceful and accountable electoral process.
Nguku also mentioned that MCK would collaborate with KEG to prepare journalists for election coverage, including an election-preparedness workshop. She assured journalists of MCK’s support throughout the process.
KEG Convention Planning Committee Chairman Francis Openda urged media houses to remain independent and fair to all political actors. He highlighted the pressures journalists face from both government and opposition forces during elections and called for collective support to protect press freedom.
Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) Executive Director Queenter Mbori supported KEG’s efforts, emphasizing the need for media entities to work together to strengthen journalism and protect women’s rights. The upcoming 2026 convention, to be held from November 25th to 29th, will focus on media resilience, editorial independence, technology, misinformation and disinformation, journalist safety, public trust, and media sustainability ahead of the 2027 elections.
