Media Entities Launch Presidential Debates Ahead of 2022 General Elections

In a press briefing, the three entities have agreed on having at least one presidential and running mate debate in July this year. The entities also appointed Clifford Machoka the head of the presidential debate secretariat.

The announcement was made by Stephen Gitagama who is the chairperson media owners association.

“We are pleased to announce the partnership between Media Owners Association, the Media Council of Kenya, and Kenya Editors’ Guild to organize the 2022 Presidential and Deputy Presidential Debates that will take place in July 2022.”  Stephen Gitagama said.  

The entities also assured Kenyans that it will conduct a quality issue-based presidential debate that will enable Kenyans in their decision-making processes and ensure effective participation in this year’s general elections.

Speaking at the same event, the media council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo said that the democracy of a nation is based on the citizen's participation on issues of governance where the culture of a country values and protects free expansion of ideas.

"The strength of any democracy depends on citizen participation in issues of governance where the culture of a country values and protects free expression of ideas," David Omwoyo stated.

On his part, Kenya Editor's Guild President Churchill Otieno assured Kenyans that Kenyan newsrooms did not have any preferred presidential candidates in the August polls. 

The three media institutions have further ensured Kenyans that strategies have been put In place to protect the interests of Kenyans and guaranteed fairness to all the parties involved.

The first presidential debate was conducted in 2013 giving presidential candidates an opportunity to engage each other and give Kenyans an opportunity to listen to their leaders’ ideologies, development plans among other key aspects.