KBC Gubernatorial Debate: Helping electorate make informed choices

Election campaigns in Kenya have taken an interestingly new turn in the last couple of years, especially with the introduction of televised debates.

Political debates, the world over, are now considered an integral part of any electoral process.  In fact, in other jurisdictions, they either make or break one’s political career.

This phenomenon is quickly becoming a trend in Kenya with virtually all presidential campaigns from 2013 receiving widespread media coverage culminating in live debates involving key aspirants in the race before the electorate cast their votes.

Just like their counterparts in other established democracies, Kenyans now hold these presidential debates in high regard even though the question as to whether they influence the final outcome of the poll or not still awaits an answer.

With just 75 days to the August 9th 2022 poll, aspirants eyeing various elective positions are engaging top gear. The electioneering period enters the homestretch, May 29 when the official campaign period kicks off.

Media’s role in elections

The media plays a critical role in democratic processes such as elections including setting the agenda, conducting civic education, and providing general information on the governance and electoral processes.

In fact, already plans are in top gear for the Kenyan media to host the Presidential debate in July where the two leading contenders, according to the polls, Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will face off. Just like in 2013, a similar debate will be held for their running mates shortly after.

The national broadcaster KBC recently launched a program in a similar version but targeting the gubernatorial positions.

Persons offering themselves for the posts of County Chief Executive Officers are hosted in the program which premiered last week, giving Kenyans an opportunity to know more about those who aspire to manage their county resources.

Machakos gubernatorial debate

The inaugural gubernatorial debate organized by KBC aired last week Thursday night with three Machakos governor hopefuls coming face to face in an hour-long debate.

CCU candidate and former State House official Nzioka Waita, shared the podium with county Deputy Governor Francis Maliti (MCC) and ELP’s Rose Mulwa.

Each candidate was accorded an uninterrupted opportunity to answer questions fielded by the moderator Victor Oloo and the audience in attendance.

The three at some point clashed over their manifestos on health, agriculture as well as infrastructure. Two other aspirants for the seat, Wavinya Ndeti, and Johnstone Muthama failed to turn up for the debate.

Every Thursday at 10 pm, KBC Channel One Television will broadcast the gubernatorial debates set to be hosted in selective counties.

Murang’a decides

From Machakos, the debate moves to Murang’a County this week with seven gubernatorial aspirants eyeing the seat set to feature in the debate to be held at Muranga University of Technology.

The battle to succeed Governor Mwangi Wa Iria is hotting up, with party politics expected to play a major role.

Senator Irungu Kang’ata, vying on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, alongside Jamleck Kamau (Jubilee), Irungu Nyakera (Farmers Party), Moses Mwangi (Safina), Joseph Mbai (Usawa Kwa Wote), Joseph Wairagu (DP) and Mike Gatogo of Amani National Congress (ANC) will battle it out for the governor seat on August 9.

The debate to be moderated by KBC Channel 1 TV news anchor John Jacob Kioria will be live on KBC Channel 1 as well as the broadcaster’s social media platforms from 9.50 pm

Vernacular

The uniqueness of this and other recently launched live debates is that they leave no voter or Kenyan behind. With improved awareness of specific candidates, their policies, and general political knowledge, they will be expected to make informed choices at the ballot.

The Media Council of Kenya in partnership with local media houses is running similar vernacular debates across the 47 counties.

The Meru Gubernatorial Debate, broadcast live by all vernacular stations Monday night, brought together political rivals Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi and Senator Mithika Linturi.

The latest development is a result of the establishment of a 15-member technical working group by ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru to coordinate and oversee political debates in vernacular media stations ahead of the August polls.

The team was tasked with coordinating gubernatorial, senatorial and women representative debates in community and vernacular media outlets.

Where to watch: https://www.kbc.co.ke/channel1/