Media urged to use AI to verify '27 election results

The president of the Kenya Editors' Guild Zubeidah Kananu has urged journalists to explore use of artificial intelligence to verify results during the 2027 general election.

While giving remarks during the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Kenya Media Sector Working Group, Kananu said the move seeks to guard against misinformation.

The MoU with IEBC seeks to formalise collaboration on election reporting ahead of 2027 general election.

The agreement establishes a structured framework for engagement between the election body and the media.

It seeks to strengthen transparency, improve access to information and enhance public understanding of the electoral process.

The MoU also places emphasis on capacity building for journalists, coordinated communication and joint efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation.

It is expected to support more consistent, accurate and responsible journalism while reinforcing public confidence in integrity of election process.

She said although AI can be used to generate false videos to influence elections, it would be alternatively used for accuracy.

"We are already seeing how Al can be used to forge the voices of candidates or create fake videos of 'chaos' at polling stations to suppress turnout," Kananu said.

"But Al is also our ally. We will use it for real-time fact-checking at scale. Under this MoU, we aren't just reporting news; we are verifying reality against an onslaught of algorithmic lies."

Kananu said the IEBC and the media would review the Elections Reporting Handbook to include both traditional and digital media, noting the new wave of alternative media.

"The landscape of 2027 is a digital jungle. It is not just TV, radio and print; it is TikTok, X and the rise of alternative media," she said.

The president said accredited journalists would have unrestricted access to polling and tallying centres to provide firsthand and accurate reporting.

"We must reaffirm that an accreditation pass is an essential service permit," Kananu said.

She urged the media to focus its reporting on the interest of the voters by offering extensive coverage.

"Since we know there will be no boundary delimitation before the 2027 polls, our newsrooms must focus singularly on the voter, providing consistent, investigative coverage of the entire cycle, from technology testing to procurement."

Kananu highlighted the different results released by media houses in 2022, causing national anxiety. 

"We respect that every newsroom has different capabilities and full editorial independence. However, independence should not mean information chaos," she said.

She revealed plans to explore a joint media tallying framework among media houses to ensure every newsroom delivers accurate and consistent data. 

"By sharing the massive logistical task of processing Form 34As, we can ensure synchronised accuracy while each house maintains its unique voice and analysis."