Media houses have announced that the 2022 Presidential and Deputy Presidential Debates will take place in July ahead of the August 9, 2022, general election.
The Media Owners Association of Kenya, Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) released the debate schedule during a press conference on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.
This is part of a move by the media to ensure the country makes the right choices ahead of the general polls.
In the conference, the media stakeholders noted that the culture of presidential debates has become a major pillar for democracy in the country.
"Debates have become the place for clarity of priority, the place for public policies, the place for ideas, and other development aspects key to the Kenyan people.
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"The debates play a significant role in the way we chose our leaders. During these debates, the public gets to listen to the candidates and gauge what their priorities could be once they get into office."
The media stakeholders argued that the debates catalise issues based on elections while providing for the candidates to interact and air their manifestos.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo stated that the debates are a major part of the media's role in shaping public opinion.
Media Owners Association of Kenya, KEG, and MCK agreed on a joint approach in the process of holding the debates.
Nation Media Group's Clifford Machoka has been appointed the head of the 2022 presidential debate secretariat. He will be deputized by Mr. Leo Mutisya.
