IEBC calls for high-tech war room to tackle misinformation in upcoming polls
By Mustafa Juma, March 25, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has called for the establishment of a high-tech communication centre to combat the growing threat of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation ahead of the next general election.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana warned that the credibility and success of the country’s electoral process could largely depend on how effectively the commission manages information flow during the polls.
Mukhwana emphasised that communication will play a decisive role in the upcoming elections, noting that past criticism directed at IEBC has largely revolved around gaps in timely and accurate information dissemination.
“This election, as far as our performance is concerned, will be won or lost on the basis of communication,” he stated.
Complexity of Kenya’s election
The commissioner highlighted the complexity of Kenya’s electoral system, pointing out that the country conducts six elections simultaneously, a factor that significantly raises the stakes for coordination and communication.
He noted that, unlike neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Tanzania, which run fewer electoral contests at a time, Kenya’s multi-layered process presents unique logistical and informational challenges.
“Our election is not an election; they are elections because there are 6 elections. We are compared with our sisters and brothers in Uganda; Uganda does not have 6 elections. We are compared with Tanzania; they don’t have 6 elections in a day. The IEBC has been criticised for not communicating. The issue of communication is central to the success of IEBC in this election,” Mukhwana said.
Misinformation threat
According to Mukhwana, the biggest threat facing the upcoming polls is the rapid spread of false or misleading information, particularly on digital platforms.
He warned that misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation could undermine public trust in the electoral process if not effectively countered.
To address this, the IEBC is proposing the creation of a technologically advanced “war room” equipped with modern infrastructure capable of real-time monitoring, verification, and response to emerging narratives.
The commission stressed the need for a robust communication framework supported by high-tech equipment and skilled personnel to track and neutralise false information before it spreads widely.
“The biggest threat that we have in this election is misinformation, malinformation, and disinformation. What we need in that communication centre is a high-tech equipment infrastructure with modern capacity that can combat the threat of misinformation, malinformation, and disinformation,” he noted.
Such a system, Mukhwana noted, would enhance transparency, improve public confidence, and ensure that voters receive accurate and timely updates throughout the electoral period.
As preparations for the next general election gather pace, IEBC faces mounting pressure to restore public trust and strengthen its operational capacity.