Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeidah Kananu has urged public institutions to improve access to information ahead of the 2027 General Election to help combat misinformation and strengthen electoral integrity.
Kananu said timely, accurate and credible information was essential in enabling citizens to make informed decisions and hold public institutions accountable.
Speaking during the International Universal Access to Information Day 2026, she called on government institutions to communicate clearly and ensure information was readily available to the public.
"To public institutions: communicate clearly. Make information easy to understand and easy to verify," Kananu said.
Kananu warned that withholding information creates gaps that allow misinformation to spread, particularly as the country prepares for the next General Election.
"Do not leave information vacuums for misinformation to fill," she added.
She also challenged media practitioners to demand early access to information while maintaining professional standards by verifying facts, providing context and explaining complex issues to the public.
"To the media: Let us demand information, but also use it responsibly. Verify before we amplify. Give context. Explain complex information," Kananu said.
She further urged journalists to challenge unlawful denial of information to ensure public institutions remain accountable.
Kananu called on Kenyans to familiarise themselves with Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to access information held by the State and information held by another person where it is required for the exercise or protection of a right.
She questioned how many citizens understood their constitutional right, knew where to submit information requests or understood the steps to take when requests were ignored or denied.
"To citizens: Ask questions. Demand evidence. Verify before you share. Article 35 belongs to you too," she said.
Kananu acknowledged that certain information could legitimately be withheld under the law but cautioned against making secrecy the default approach.
She emphasised that access to information was central to democracy, accountability and credible elections.
"Misinformation thrives where credible information is absent," she said, adding that access to public information should not feel like winning a lottery.
The Kenya Editors Guild is a professional organisation that promotes media freedom, independence, ethical journalism and quality reporting in Kenya.
