TI Kenya launched its four-year ethical leadership programme in Kisumu.
Transparency International Kenya will engage voters in four counties to scrutinise candidates and hold elected leaders accountable.
Transparency International Kenya has launched REAL Phase Four, a four-year project promoting ethical leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election. The initiative will support voters in assessing candidates and strengthen citizen oversight of public officials.
The organisation launched the Restoring Ethical and Accountable Leadership programme in Kisumu. It will implement the project in Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Nairobi and Mombasa counties, with funding from the Netherlands.
TI Kenya Head of Programmes Gibson Mwaita said the initiative brings together citizens, civil society organisations, universities and government institutions. Together, they will work on electoral reforms, civic education and accountability.
REAL Phase Four to support voter scrutiny
Mwaita said the programme will help voters examine candidates’ integrity, leadership records and manifestos before making electoral choices. Public forums will also give aspirants opportunities to explain their development agendas directly to citizens.
Through these engagements, the organisation will encourage voters to look beyond political affiliations. Instead, citizens will assess candidates’ ethical standards, past performance and ability to fulfil their promises.
The programme will also engage university students and other young people through training and digital platforms. Meanwhile, TI Kenya will facilitate information sharing with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Mwaita said this engagement would strengthen discussions about the integrity of people seeking public office. He also identified Kisumu as strategically important because of its political significance and anticipated county leadership transition, particularly the governorship.
Citizen oversight beyond the election
Beyond the polls, the project will focus on keeping elected leaders accountable throughout their terms. Mwaita said stronger participation structures would help citizens influence policy decisions and scrutinise the conduct of public officials.
The programme will also encourage citizens to examine individuals considered for key government appointments after the elections. Its work therefore extends from candidate assessment to oversight of those who take public office.
The initiative began in July 2026 and builds on three earlier phases. The first established foundations, while the second examined systems and processes for promoting integrity. The third identified interventions that the organisation could expand.
Mwaita said lessons from those phases shaped the current programme’s practical responses. In addition, a baseline survey identified meaningful public participation and access to information as areas requiring attention.
He argued that public participation must go beyond gathering people for meetings. Communities should contribute ideas, receive feedback and understand how their views influence government decisions. The project will also address good governance and accountability.
