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Regional Conference Explores AI and Digital Media Impact on Kenyan Elections
Regional Conference Explores AI and Digital Media Impact on Kenyan Elections

Regional Conference Explores AI and Digital Media Impact on Kenyan Elections

The Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA) hosted a landmark two-day regional conference on December 3rd and 4th, 2024, at Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi, focusing on the critical intersection of artificial intelligence, digital media, and electoral processes. The conference brought together 117 participants representing electoral management bodies, policymakers, civil society organizations, technology companies, judiciary members, and academia.

The conference delved into several crucial aspects of AI’s role in elections, beginning with an assessment of global and regional trends. Experts examined AI’s impact throughout the electoral cycle, from voter registration to mobilization, while evaluating its potential to strengthen electoral democracy. Special attention was given to the infrastructure requirements for AI implementation in emerging democracies and its role in enhancing transparency and accountability in election management.

A significant portion of the conference addressed the pressing challenge of misinformation and disinformation in elections. Technology experts explored the implications of unregulated AI in creating and spreading harmful content, while regulators and fact-checkers discussed strategies to combat fake news and protect democratic processes. The sessions emphasized the need for collaborative approaches to safeguard election integrity in the digital age.

The conference also featured discussions on regional AI trends across Africa, with representatives from the UNDP, IEC South Africa, BRC Somalia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and UNESCO sharing insights on developing comprehensive AI strategies for election management. Participants worked towards establishing Kenyan and East African AI standards, using the Principles and Guidelines for Digital and Social Media in African Elections as a foundation.

Key recommendations emerged from the conference, including the development of state regulatory systems for AI technologies, enhanced collaboration between tech companies and government bodies, and the strengthening of cybersecurity and data protection laws. The conference emphasized the importance of capacity building, particularly in training judiciary members and court staff in digital literacy.

The event highlighted Kenya’s proactive stance in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in electoral processes, setting a precedent for other African nations in managing digital transformation in democratic systems..

 

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Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA),
is a Continental Organisation working to strengthen
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human rights,institutional strengthening of
parliament and electoral processes in Africa. 

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