The Political Dialogue Village provided an opportunity for constructive, issue-based inter-party dialogue and debate on contemporary democracy issues. The running themes of this village revolved around the cyclical nature of elections and the issues that revolve around it. The villagers agreed that elections do not start and end on voting day; hence, there is a need to focus on the role of the citizens in Kenya’s electoral process as voters and accountability partners. Key discussions centred on topics such as public participation, accountability, legislative reforms, and gender parity.

Participants emphasised the need for transparent and accountable political leadership, advocated for gender equality within political parties, and called for reforms to ensure fair and inclusive electoral processes. The village provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and make commitments aimed at enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of political processes in Kenya.

• Host Organisation - Elections Observation Group (ELOG)

• Organisations involved - The Youth Cafe, Uraia Trust, Transparency International, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Twaweza E.A, Political Parties

Role of elections observation in ensuring free, fair and credible elections

The session emphasized the pivotal role of elections observation in ensuring the integrity of electoral processes in Kenya. Discussions centered on the responsibilities of institutions like the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) in registering and monitoring political parties, as well as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in addressing electoral malpractices.

ELOG’s observation approach and the urgency of appointing IEBC commissioners were highlighted, along with the potential of integrating AI and digital technologies into election observation. Historical insights underscored the transformative impact of citizen election observers and Kenya’s electoral reform journey post-2007 Elections. The cyclical nature of elections and the importance of continuous observation throughout the electoral cycle were emphasized, alongside the transition of citizen observers to advocating for electoral reforms post-elections. Collaborative efforts based on trust and accountability were identified as crucial for enhancing electoral integrity, emphasizing the need for comprehensive oversight, citizen engagement, and technological innovation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Transforming the Political Landscape: How AI and Big Data might impact and shape electoral processes in Kenya

The session delved into the potential impact of AI and big data on electoral processes in Kenya, drawing insights from global events like the U.S. elections in 2016 and the U.K.’s Brexit vote. Panelists highlighted AI’s neutrality, likening it to a tool that can be used positively or negatively by its users. Discussions explored AI’s role in political advertising campaigns, emphasizing its ability to generate tailored propaganda and refine messaging for specific voter demographics. Concerns were raised about the proliferation of misinformation facilitated by AI tools like DeepFakes, with examples cited to underscore the challenge. Panelists stressed the importance of educating audiences to identify and mitigate the spread of misinformation and urged caution in consuming content on social media channels. Additionally, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, Majority Leader in the National Assembly, addressed the session, highlighting the role of youth and women in reshaping political dynamics.

He discussed initiatives to boost revenue collection, changes in the university education financing model, and the importance of inclusivity and debt management in Kenya’s governance landscape.

Economic Governance in Kenya Economic Fairness in Kenya’s Public Finance and Delivery System

The panel discussed the intersection of economic governance and citizenship, shedding light on key issues impacting Kenya’s fiscal landscape and advocating for increased transparency, accountability, and public participation to address systemic challenges and ensure equitable resource distribution.

The significance of taxes in solidifying the social contract between the government and citizens was underscored, with tax payment viewed as pivotal for holding governments accountable for spending. Concerns were raised regarding Kenya’s public debt burden, revenue distortion, and the efficacy of social welfare programs, highlighting the need for fiscal discipline and collective action. Public participation was emphasized as essential for driving change, with a specific call to action for youth to educate themselves on constitutional rights, advocate for economic fairness and transparency, uphold integrity, and demand accountability from leaders.

Boundaries Delimitation and Reconstituting the IEBC

The session aimed to explore the intricacies of boundary delimitation and the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), highlighting its significance in ensuring fair political representation and electoral integrity. Key points included the constitutional mandate for periodic boundary redrawing, the complexities and sensitivities involved in the process, and the challenges posed by delays in the appointment of election commissioners. Criticisms were directed towards the Executive and Parliament for their respective failures in addressing these issues.

Discussions also focused on delineating responsibilities between the IEBC and other government bodies, proposing solutions such as constitutional amendments and political dialogues to facilitate a smooth and impartial delimitation process. The session underscored the importance of establishing a credible and trustworthy IEBC and highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the acceptability of boundary delimitation outcomes.

Governance & Electoral Reforms in Kenya

This session featured former Cabinet Secretary Hon. Eugene Wamalwa and former Vice President Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, offering insights into the opposition’s perspective on Kenya’s governance model. Hon. Wamalwa highlighted his coalition’s stance on taxation, advocating against burdensome taxes on essential goods like fuel and stressing the importance of combating corruption to alleviate debt distress. Meanwhile, Hon. Musyoka emphasized the role of diplomacy and dialogue in upholding law and order across Africa, criticizing the ruling party’s approach to governance.

Both leaders expressed concerns about Kenya’s global standing, professionalism in civil service appointments, and the frequency of foreign trips by government officials, advocating for a shift towards service-oriented leadership. They endorsed Hon. Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Chairmanship, citing his political experience and commitment to Pan-Africanism, and called for revitalizing Nairobi’s status as the capital of the Third World. The session concluded with a call to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and revive the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Youth engagement in governance and 2022 Elections’ Audit

This session highlighted the importance of increasing youth participation in electoral processes. A report presented during the session revealed significant underrepresentation of youth in the electorate, particularly among those aged 18-35. Despite their substantial numbers, youth turnout and representation remain low, with only a small number elected to key political positions. The report identified various challenges faced by young aspirants, including the high cost of campaigning, and offered targeted recommendations to address these barriers.

Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the significance of devolution in empowering communities, advocating for a shift towards ideological foundations in political parties. Concerns were also raised about the commercialization of student leadership in universities, with a call for a return to selfless leadership exemplified by past student leaders. Suggestions were made for specific term limits for women and youth representatives to enhance inclusivity and foster accountability. Additionally, there was a push for redefining public participation to ensure genuine engagement and a mindset shift among youths to access government opportunities.

Social Accountability, Money and Politics

The session discussed the pervasive influence of money in Kenyan politics and the accountability issues it engenders. Panellists stressed the need for a shift towards character-driven politics rather than financial dominance, noting the challenges faced by women aspirants, including pressure to provide personal favours and monetary inducements to constituents.

The discussion outlined the various ways money plays a central role in political processes, from branding and communication to campaign team support and security. While acknowledging the expensive nature of elections, there was a call for grassroots mobilisation and leveraging youth wings of political parties to navigate financial demands. Ethical considerations regarding money in politics were also addressed, with a focus on regulating campaign finance to maintain a level playing field for all candidates. Despite existing legislation, the reluctance of Parliament to enact corresponding regulations perpetuates opacity and evasion of responsibility in electoral politics, highlighting the need to close legal loopholes in campaign financing.

Civic Tech & Governance; Promoting Public Participation, Political Inclusion and Democracy in Kenya- A Case Study of the Civic Voices Project

The session unveiled of the Civic Voices App, a collaborative effort between non-state actors and the Nairobi City County Government. The app aims to enhance public participation and political inclusion by providing a digital platform for engagement. By addressing the significant costs and limitations of traditional public participation methods, the app allows for seamless engagement at any time, overcoming barriers such as predetermined lists of invitees. The Nairobi County Government expressed its commitment to adhering to the Public Participation Act and collaborating with non-state actors to promote effective civic engagement. However, there was a consensus among panellists that the effectiveness of e-participation requires constant monitoring and evaluation, with calls for legislative guidelines to ensure meaningful participation. Despite these challenges, the Civic Voices App was praised for its potential to mobilise young individuals into political spheres and enhance access to information, reflecting a promising step towards inclusive participation and democracy promotion.

The Political Economy: The place of Kenya in regional and continental trade

The panel highlighted Kenya’s trade deficit and the importance of promoting local production to address it. Speakers stressed the need for sustainable trade avenues and significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital to enhance competitiveness in global markets. Key themes included regional integration, access to information, and diversification. The potential benefits of an integrated East African Community and African Union Chairperson bid were discussed, along with the importance of educating the public about trade treaties. Concerns about product diversification and negative perceptions of locally manufactured goods were raised, emphasizing the need for continental standards and efficient food systems. The panel called on the government to invest in the capacities of young farmers and traders to promote economic inclusion.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations from the Political Expo Village

1. Electoral Oversight and Integrity:

• Parliament needs to ensure an impartial and inclusive process in recruiting IEBC commissioners.

• The Executive must fast-track the appointment of IEBC commissioners in an inclusive, impartial, and transparent process.

2. Combating Misinformation:

• Relevant authorities should create fact-checking tools and databases to combat misinformation, including that legislative bodies should introduce legislation to punish instigators of misinformation and compel social media companies to curb its spread.

• Efforts are needed to train the public on strategies to identify and report misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms.

3. Fiscal Management and Accountability:

• Implementers of fiscal policies must carry out reforms to address issues of misappropriation, revenue distortion, and mismanagement within Kenya’s public finance system.

• Government entities should conduct an audit of the public debt and ensure responsible borrowing practices.

• Regulatory bodies should develop regulations on public accountability under the Election Campaign Financing Act of 2013.

• Capacity-building initiatives should be undertaken for civil society groups to track public financial expenditures.

• Civil society organizations should conduct mass training of citizens on budgetmaking processes, constitutional rights, and mechanisms for public engagement.

4. Governance and Institutional Strengthening:

• Efforts are needed to professionalise the civil service and base appointments for decision-making roles on merit rather than political interests.

• Legal authorities should affirm Article 188 of the Constitution on shared sovereignty at the national and county levels through legal advisory.

• Legislative bodies should amend Article 89(2) of the Constitution to extend the boundary delimitation process, subject to safeguards for approval.

5. Civic Engagement and Participation:

• Stakeholders should provide increased support to youth civil society groups for conducting awareness campaigns.

• Political parties must strengthen youth wings to support aspiring youth electoral candidates.

• The government should embark on public participation initiatives using tools like the Civic Voices Application.