Kenya should adopt use of AI in elections, Kissinger tells IEBC panel

Kakai Kissinger, a candidate vying for the IEBC chairperson's seat, has advocated for the integration of Artificial Intelligence in party nominations and the 2027 general elections.

While appearing before the Nelson Makanda-led IEBC selection panel, Kissinger emphasized that AI would significantly improve efficiency, noting that he would prioritize leveraging AI and modern technology to cut down election expenses if appointed to lead the commission.

In response to a question from panelist Caroline Kituku about simplifying the electioneering process, Kissinger defended the use of AI, stating that its implementation would not be a challenge since it has been successfully adopted in countries like India and the United States.

Additionally, the lawyer proposed integrating technology into political party primaries to improve the nomination process.

He highlighted the successful use of KIEMS kits in previous elections, suggesting they could be a foundation for enhancing party nominations through technology.

"We have KIEMS kits that handle everything, from registration and voting to candidate management and results transmission, making it a comprehensive system," Kissinger noted.

Kissinger emphasizes the importance of integrating technology into party primaries. He advocates for the development of a new digital platform, portal, or system to enhance the electoral process.

He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Harvard Law School (2007) and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Nairobi (1999).

Kissinger also has a postgraduate diploma in International Trade Law from the University Institute of European Studies in Turin, Italy (2003) and in Law from the Kenya School of Law (2000).

Currently, he serves as the Secretary for Resource Mobilization at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, a position he has held since 2023.

His past roles include Deputy Chief Registrar and Acting Chief Registrar of the Judiciary of Kenya (2011–2014), as well as Senior Governance Advisor at GIZ Kenya (2008–2011).

He has held leadership and academic roles, including serving as the Executive Director of the Independent Medico-Legal Unit from 2004 to 2006 and as its Legal and Training Officer from 2003 to 2004.