How Artificial Intelligence Could Shape Kenya’s 2027 General Elections
As Kenya prepares for its high-stakes 2027 General Elections, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a pivotal force in shaping the electoral landscape. With an internet penetration rate of approximately 85%, primarily driven by social media platforms, Kenya’s digital ecosystem is ripe for both the constructive and destructive applications of AI. The recent circulation of two viral AI-generated videos has sparked intense debate about AI’s growing influence on the country’s political discourse. This article explores AI’s potential to enhance electoral credibility, the risks posed by misinformation and deepfakes, and the steps needed to safeguard Kenya’s democratic process.
The Promise of AI in Strengthening Electoral Processes
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) recognizes AI’s transformative potential and is actively exploring its integration into election management. At a regional conference organized by the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA) earlier this year, IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan emphasized that AI, alongside digital and social media, represents one of the greatest innovations shaping global elections. “The application of AI will define the future, and therefore Africa must develop new capabilities, new tools, and new regulatory frameworks to ensure that AI works for it, for its partners, for its interests, and not against it,” Marjan noted.
AI can enhance electoral credibility in several ways. For instance, AI-powered biometric systems can streamline voter verification, reducing errors in voter registration and minimizing disputes over eligibility, a recurring issue in past Kenyan elections. Additionally, AI can monitor elections in real-time, analyzing live feeds from cameras or sensors at polling stations to detect irregularities such as voter intimidation or ballot tampering. Governance and political observer Samuel Owida highlights that “AI can analyze vast amounts of data, including voting patterns and the registration process, to detect anomalies indicative of manipulation.” This capability could enable the IEBC to respond swiftly to potential issues, bolstering public trust in the electoral process.
AI also offers opportunities to improve voter education. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants, powered by natural language processing, can deliver tailored information about voting procedures, candidate profiles, and polling locations in local languages. This is particularly valuable in Kenya’s diverse linguistic landscape, ensuring that rural and marginalized communities are empowered to participate fully in the democratic process.
The Growing Threat of AI-Driven Misinformation
Despite its potential, AI’s capacity to generate and disseminate misinformation poses a significant threat to Kenya’s 2027 elections. Two recent viral videos exemplify this danger. The first, an AI-generated deepfake, depicts Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen admitting to being unprepared for his role, claiming he only sought luxury items like expensive watches and belts, and announcing his resignation. The second features an AI-manipulated image of Communications Authority Director General David Mugonyi allegedly defending a media shutdown during the June 2024 Gen Z protests, claiming he was appointed by President William Ruto as an “enemy of the press.” These videos, part of a broader misinformation campaign, aim to distort facts and sway public opinion ahead of the elections.
Such AI-generated content, including deepfakes, cheap fakes, and fake news, is increasingly used as easily produced tools of deception, leaving vulnerable citizens shocked and misinformed. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji warned in March that malicious actors, both domestic and foreign, are weaponizing social media and AI to destabilize Kenya. Speaking at a symposium organized by the National Intelligence Research University (NIRU), Haji linked the spread of false information to the June 2024 Gen Z protests, which began as demonstrations against proposed tax laws but were allegedly infiltrated by political elements seeking to undermine the Kenya Kwanza administration. “While access to information remains the cornerstone of democratic governance, socioeconomic stability, and interstate relations, propagation of disinformation and misinformation continues to threaten these ideals,” he stated.
Kenya’s high internet penetration and active social media presence, particularly on platforms like X, amplify these risks. The phenomenon of “Kenyans on X” has become a global hallmark of political activism, with online campaigns capable of shaping public sentiment and challenging government narratives. However, low digital literacy among many Kenyans exacerbates the spread of AI-generated misinformation, as seen in a recent Kisumu town hall where a manipulated image of a senator misled voters.
Regulatory Efforts to Mitigate AI Risks
To address these challenges, the Kenyan government is developing frameworks to regulate AI’s use. The Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy’s draft Kenya National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030 emphasizes ethical and responsible AI deployment, particularly in sensitive contexts like elections. Proposed measures include mandating transparency in digital advertising, implementing real-time fact-checking, and ensuring traceability of online content to deter manipulation. However, regulating AI without stifling free expression remains a complex task. Proposals to require social media platforms to establish local offices for better oversight have faced resistance, as major platforms, including X, operate without a physical presence in Kenya.
Hlengiwe Dube, Project Manager for Expression, Information and Digital Rights at the Centre for Human Rights in South Africa, warns that generative AI could mark a turning point in the spread of disinformation and hate speech. “AI can analyze public sentiment or the public discourse, especially on social media, to gauge the mood and the potential for unrest,” Dube notes, highlighting its potential to fuel manipulation and social division. Balancing regulation with freedom of speech is critical, especially given the role of tech-savvy youth in creating viral political satire that often blurs the line between humor and misinformation.
Collaborative Solutions for a Fair Electoral Process
Safeguarding Kenya’s 2027 elections requires collaboration among policymakers, technology firms, civil society, and citizens. Policymakers must strengthen legal frameworks to address AI-driven misinformation, such as requiring labels for AI-generated content and mandating disclosure of political ad sources. Real-time fact-checking initiatives, potentially powered by AI, could help debunk false narratives before they spread widely.
Technology firms must invest in AI-driven moderation tools tailored to Kenya’s cultural and political context. Partnerships with local organizations can enhance these tools’ effectiveness, ensuring they detect manipulated content accurately. Additionally, tech companies could support digital literacy campaigns to equip voters with the skills to identify misinformation, reducing the impact of deepfakes and fake news.
Civil society organizations play a vital role in bridging technology and public engagement. By advocating for electoral reforms and conducting civic education, these groups can amplify AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks. For instance, the Diaspora Working Group’s efforts to increase polling stations abroad demonstrate how technology can enhance voter access, particularly for Kenyans living overseas.
Kenya can draw lessons from global and regional experiences with AI in elections. Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, for example, has established an AI Division to promote smarter, more trustworthy elections, offering a potential model for Kenya. However, global cautionary tales, such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal, underscore the risks of data misuse and targeted misinformation campaigns. These experiences highlight the need for proactive measures to prevent AI from undermining democratic processes.
As Kenya approaches its 2027 General Elections, AI stands as both an opportunity and a challenge. By leveraging AI to enhance voter verification, real-time monitoring, and civic education, the IEBC can build a more transparent and efficient electoral system. However, the rise of AI-generated misinformation, exemplified by recent viral deepfakes, demands urgent action. Strengthening regulations, promoting digital literacy, and fostering stakeholder collaboration are essential to ensure AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than manipulation.
Kenya has the chance to set a global standard in managing AI’s influence on elections. By balancing innovation with responsible oversight, the country can protect the integrity of its democratic process, ensuring that the 2027 elections reflect the true will of its people.