A candidate for the chairmanship of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Francis Kissinger, has proposed the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Kenya’s electoral process. Kissinger argues that AI-driven voting systems could enhance transparency, efficiency, and credibility in elections, reducing human interference and minimizing electoral disputes.
Speaking during his interview with the selection panel, Kissinger emphasized that AI could streamline voter verification, tallying, and results transmission, significantly cutting down on election malpractices. He stated that AI-powered systems have been successfully implemented in other sectors and could be adapted to strengthen Kenya’s democracy.
His proposal, however, is likely to spark debate, as Kenya has faced challenges with past election technologies, including failures in biometric voter identification and electronic results transmission. Critics may question the feasibility of AI implementation, citing concerns about cybersecurity, accessibility, and potential manipulation.
As Kenya prepares for future elections, the discussion around AI-driven voting remains crucial. Could this be the solution to the country’s electoral challenges, or does it pose new risks that need further scrutiny?
