The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) will on Tuesday launch the second edition of its Roadmap to a Peaceful General Election 2027, as Kenya steps up preparations for an election free from violence, hate speech and ethnic divisions.
The roadmap, branded “Uchaguzi Bila Noma”, will be launched on August 25, 2026, in Nairobi. NCIC says the initiative will chart a path towards unity, peace and peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The commission described the programme as an effort towards “Charting the path to unity, peace and a violence-free General Election 2027.”
The initiative comes as political activity begins to intensify ahead of the next General Election, scheduled for August 10, 2027. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has already begun preparations for the polls, which will involve six elective positions.
NCIC's roadmap builds on lessons from previous elections and the commission's work in identifying areas and issues that could trigger political conflict.
Its 2022 conflict hotspot mapping study, which covered all 47 counties, recorded a national Election Violence Index of 53.4%. The study identified 16 counties as having a high risk of electoral violence, while 21 had medium-risk ratings and eight were classified as low risk.
The commission has previously identified voter intimidation, bribery, electoral disputes, misuse of security agencies, misinformation, political incitement and hate speech among factors capable of triggering violence during elections.
NCIC says the 2027 initiative will place national cohesion and peaceful political participation at the centre of preparations.
The commission's experience from the 2022 election provides an important reference point. Its assessment described the 2022 polls as among Kenya's most peaceful elections, recording one election-related death. NCIC attributed the outcome partly to early hotspot mapping, peace campaigns and engagement with political actors, religious leaders, young people and other groups.
The commission also intends to strengthen early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms. Its previous election strategy included real-time conflict monitoring, peace observation and rapid responses to emerging threats.
Ahead of the 2027 polls, NCIC's new leadership has warned about political violence and divisive rhetoric. The commission's chairperson, Bishop Kepha Nyamweya Omae, and seven commissioners took office in May 2026, with the new team identifying the prevention of hate speech, political tensions and violence as key priorities.
The commission has also proposed that political parties sign a peace charter before the election. Discussions have included a proposal for aspirants to undergo clearance involving NCIC, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and the electoral commission.
NCIC's campaign carries the message “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, reinforcing its call for Kenyans to place national unity above political and ethnic divisions.
The commission's second edition of the roadmap is therefore expected to bring together political actors, institutions and citizens around measures designed to prevent violence and promote peaceful participation.
With about a year remaining before the 2027 election, NCIC is seeking to ensure that lessons from previous electoral cycles are translated into early intervention, stronger accountability and sustained peace-building.