The Nation Media Group on Monday kicked off its official coverage of the 2027 General Election with a leadership forum bringing together NMG executives, government officials, human rights organisations, private-sector players, business stakeholders and members of the public.

The forum, held at the University of Nairobi, came exactly one year before Kenyans head to the polls and provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss some of the critical issues expected to shape the 2027 election agenda.

NMG Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Odundo moderated the forum, which featured discussions on the economy, cost of living, jobs, business, governance and the issues voters expect political leaders to address ahead of the election.

Read: IEBC sets strict timelines as Kenya prepares for 2027 General Election

“Decision 2027 is more than an election coverage. This is commitment to help Kenyans navigate the year ahead with credible information, rigorous scrutiny, diverse perspectives and importantly, a clear understanding of the choices before them," Mr Odundo said.

“Our platforms, the Daily Nation, NTV or radio and digital platforms we will follow issues that matter to Kenyans, integrate promises made by those seeking office, examine their records, ideas and create space for citizens to ask questions that deserve answers. Our responsibility is not to tell Kenyans what to think or how to vote but to ensure that when they make that decision they are better informed and are able to make it for themselves,” he said.

NMG Editor-in-Chief Dr Joe Ageyo said the media group was launching its election coverage a year before polling day to ensure that its journalism responds to the needs of its audiences and helps shape the national conversation.

“We are launching a year out because we would rather set the agenda than chase it. Left unattended, election coverage tends to be dictated by whoever shouts loudest; rally here and press conference there. We intend instead to spend this year putting the issues that actually shape your life, the economy, jobs, security, governance and so on, at the centre of the conversation on our terms and yours. That’s the promise we are making,” Dr Ageyo said.

joe — NMG Group Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo's speech at launch of 2027 election coverage

The forum placed a strong focus on the economy and the concerns of businesses and workers, with stakeholders urging political leaders to present realistic manifestos and practical plans for addressing the country's economic challenges.

Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline Mugo said presidential and other political aspirants should put forward credible economic plans that can create jobs and ease the pressure facing households and businesses.

“The overall cost of doing business is rising sharply, the cost of living is high, the cost of borrowing is high and businesses cannot find money to run,” Ms Mugo said.

She said the next government should address declining disposable incomes among workers and improve job security, particularly for young people.

“An employee should at least take home one-third of what they are being paid, but most of them are not doing that because of statutory deductions,” she said, adding that the tax burden on individuals was affecting the sector.

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Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK) Chief Executive Officer Wambui Mbarire said candidates seeking top political offices should have clear plans for protecting retailers and manufacturers while creating a conducive environment for businesses to operate.

“We are price takers in our markets but consumers see the retailers. When prices are not working for their pockets, we are blamed. There is a lack of difference between products manufactured locally that have incentives and those imported. That’s where the problem starts, and we need to look at our economy to see how we can start allowing supply and demand to set the prices,” Ms Mbarire said.

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) CEO Tobias Alando called for policies that support local manufacturers, arguing that a stronger manufacturing sector would help create jobs and strengthen the economy.

The discussions underscored the growing demand for political leaders to move beyond campaign rhetoric and offer practical solutions to the economic pressures facing Kenyans, businesses and workers.

kbosuben@ke.nationmedia.com

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