The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has identified public mistrust as one of the major obstacles to peaceful elections ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, calling for stronger accountability, credible institutions and values-based leadership to promote national cohesion.
The commission is participating in the Trust Summit 2026 – Nairobi Dialogue on Global Trust, being held at Glee Hotel in Nairobi from October 21 to 23, 2026.
NCIC Commissioner Jerusah Mwaathime is representing the commission’s chairperson, Bishop Dr. Kepha N. Omae, as a panellist in the Leadership Baraza themed “Standing on Solid Ground of Democratic Values.”
The session explores the role of ethical leadership, accountability and institutional credibility in building public trust and strengthening democratic governance.
During the engagement, the commission is highlighting the connection between public trust and national cohesion, warning that declining confidence in institutions and leadership could undermine efforts to secure peaceful elections.
According to the NCIC, its Roadmap to a Violence-Free 2027 General Election identifies the trust deficit as one of five major roadblocks to peaceful polls.
To address the challenge, the roadmap prioritises structured dialogue, youth engagement, intergenerational conversations and partnerships between institutions as key strategies for rebuilding confidence among citizens, public institutions and communities.
The commission’s participation in the summit comes as stakeholders continue to explore ways of strengthening democratic values, promoting peaceful political participation and preventing electoral violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Through the initiative, NCIC is emphasising the need for inclusive leadership and sustained engagement between communities and public institutions to foster national unity and create an environment conducive to peaceful elections.
