County, CSOs to pilot digital system to counter election violence threats

Nakuru County will pilot a digital Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) system aimed at preventing election-related violence and insecurity as Kenya heads toward the 2027 General Election.

The system, developed through a partnership between the Midriff Human Rights Network, the Peace Corps, and government security agencies, is designed to collect and analyze early warning signs from communities before they escalate into conflict.

Calvin Muga, a programme officer at Midriff Human Rights Network, says the tool will enable security agencies to shift from reactive to preventive responses.

“Early warning simply means we can collect information early enough before it translates into something else,” Muga says. “In the past, delays in collecting information meant responses were minimal or absent, and when they came, they were mostly reactive rather than proactive.”

He notes that the tool will allow communities to report early signs of tension - such as displacement threats or political incitement - in real time, enabling authorities to respond faster.

“One of the participants here mentioned that people have already been told to prepare to leave. That is an early warning sign,” Muga says. “If we get that information early, analyse it early, then security agencies can respond in time.”

Muga says the system was presented to the public in Nakuru to gather feedback, particularly around confidentiality and safety for those reporting.

“Many young people asked how they can be sure they are safe when they report, and concerns about confidentiality have also been raised,” he says. “Our role is to improve the tool so that it responds better to these concerns, and then security agencies will act on the information.”

He notes that Nakuru will serve as the pilot county before the system is rolled out elsewhere.

“Our interest is here in Nakuru. Before we look at other counties, we must ensure that the home is safe first,” Muga says.

The pilot will initially focus on Nakuru Town East and Nakuru Town West sub-counties, which form the core of Nakuru City and have previously experienced security challenges.

Speaking on police preparedness in the two sub-counties, Nakuru East Sub-County Police Commander Samson Adanje says officers are strengthening community engagement to prevent tensions ahead of the elections.

“The main thing we are doing is coming closer to members of the public and engaging them through dialogue,” Adanje says. “When incidents occur, we review them, give feedback, and build trust between the people we serve and the officers on the ground.”

He notes that police are also addressing fear among residents who want to report information but worry about victimization.

“Many people want to report, but they are afraid,” Adanje says. “We assure them that once they report to the police or anyone attached to the police, they will be protected and can do so without fear.”

Adanje adds that reporting does not rely solely on police officers, noting that residents can also use other channels, such as National Government Administrative Officers, sub-chiefs, and civil society groups, who can relay information to the police on behalf of those who are afraid.

The rollout of the EWER system in Nakuru comes amid growing concern over early political mobilization and rising national rhetoric. Peace actors note that, as a nerve center for many communities and a political and economic hub in the Rift Valley, Nakuru is especially vulnerable to spillover tensions.

They say the system is intended to prevent a repeat of the unrest and divisions witnessed during previous election cycles by addressing threats early and strengthening community trust.