Justice sector, media team up to counter misinformation, disinformation ahead of the 2027 elections

Nairobi, Kenya - Communication professionals from Kenya's justice and security sectors teamed up with journalists for a two-day training program designed to bolster communication during election season, as reported by International Justice Mission (IJM) Kenya. The conference gathered representatives from various criminal justice institutions, including the National Police Service, National Police Service Commission, Internal Affairs Unit, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Witness Protection Agency, Independent Policing Oversight Authority, Crime Journalists Association of Kenya, and Court Reporters Association of Kenya.

The training focused on effective communication strategies to counter misinformation and disinformation that often arise during election periods, when public tensions can rise, and accurate information becomes crucial. Participants explored how institutions should respond to emerging issues, establish guidelines for public communication, and coordinate messages to maintain clarity and prevent confusion.

Trainers emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it and highlighted that responsible communication does not equate to silence or speculation when verification is incomplete. Instead, it involves clearly identifying what is being verified and updating the public as reliable information becomes available.

Participants were warned against responding to every emerging claim, particularly when such responses could fuel misinformation or disrupt ongoing investigations. The program served as a platform for journalists and government communication officers to address challenges in their collaborations and identify ways to improve information sharing and cooperation.

Both sides agreed that working in isolation was a significant barrier to effective communication and called for increased collaboration ahead of the 2027 General Election. They recognized that limited coordination and fragmented information-sharing could hinder the provision of timely, accurate, and credible information to the public during periods of heightened political activity.

The sessions also included group counselling and team-building activities to help participants manage work-related pressures and enhance trust, collaboration, and professional relationships among individuals from various institutions. As justice and security institutions prepare for the demands of the 2027 election season, the training underscores the critical role of coordinated and responsible communication in maintaining public trust and preserving institutional credibility.