Kenya to host live presidential debates

By Digital Reporter

Kenya’s Media houses have planned joint live presidential debates ahead of the historic transitional general election in March 2013. The shows will be beamed live on television sets, broadcast live on radio, and streamed live online.

Media executives said the candidates seeking to succeed President Kibaki will have a rare opportunity to showcase their policies, standpoints and leadership agenda for turning around Kenya during live broadcast debates in the media for the first time in Kenya’s history.

Kenya's robust media industry will bring the debates live via eight televison stations and 32 radio stations. An opportunity will be availed through short text message platforms on mobile phones too.

The presidential aspirants will also interact with live audiences and engage citizens on multimedia platforms including  new media unlike before. They are expected to appear at least three times on the joint debates before the actual voting.

The media executives Mr Sam Sholei the Chief Executive of Standard Group, Mr Linus Gitahi  CEO of the Nation Media,  Mr Paul Wanyaga of  Mediamax,  Mr Waithaka Waihenya the MD of the State owned Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, and Royal Media MD  Mr Wachira Waruru held a joint press conference at Serena Hotel which explained how the debates will be conducted.

Sholei asked the aspirants to ready themselves for active participation by varied audiences. “We will activate social media platforms and mobilize as many Kenyans to participate actively on Facebook and Twitter platforms.”

NMG's Gitahi said: "it will be the first of its kind in Africa and voters will have a direct opportunity to ask particular questions to those seeking the presidency on how they will address  issues affecting them."

Waruru said the first show is expected on November 26, followed by another on February 11, 2013.

Wanyagah said all media have come together to organise the modalities of debate to make it look fruitful for the audiences for them to make informed choices.

The meeting was attended by Kass FM’s Joshua Chepkwony who asked that the debates factor in Kenyans in diaspora whose contribution can be live streamed during debates.

Waruru assured aspirants and the public that a strong secretariat has been put up to cope with the demands of the live debates.

Join the debate and give your views on the live presidential debates here: