The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson candidate, Kakai Kissinger, has proposed the use of technology in party nominations and the next general elections.
Speaking before the IEBC Selection Panel led by Nelson Makanda, the electoral boss hopeful told the panelists that the inclusion of AI in elections would greatly enhance the electioneering process.
Additionally, Kissinger stated that if given the opportunity to lead the commission, he would prioritize the use of AI and modern technology to reduce election costs.
Responding to a question from panelist Caroline Kituku on how he would simplify the electioneering process, Kissinger argued that the use of AI would not be a challenge, citing its successful application in countries such as India and the US.
Furthermore, the lawyer suggested incorporating technology into political party primaries to enhance the process.
He argued that the KIEMS kits, having been successfully used in past elections, could serve as a foundation for integrating technology into party nominations.
"We have KIEMS kits, which cover everything from registration and voting to candidate management and results transmission. So it is a comprehensive system," Kissinger explained.
"The use of technology is something we must aspire to. We need to develop a new platform, portal, or system to ensure that technology is also applied during party primaries."
Kissinger, who is hopeful of securing the IEBC chairperson position, holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Harvard Law School (2007), a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Nairobi (1999), a Postgraduate Diploma in International Trade Law from the University Institute of European Studies in Turin, Italy (2003), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law (2000).
He currently serves as the Secretary for Resource Mobilization at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration (2023–Present).
He previously held key positions, including Deputy Chief Registrar and Acting Chief Registrar of the Judiciary of Kenya (2011–2014) and Senior Governance Advisor at the German Technical Cooperation (GIZ) Kenya (2008–2011).
Additionally, he has served as the Executive Director (2004–2006) and Legal and Training Officer (2003–2004) at the Independent Medico-Legal Unit and was a part-time lecturer at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (2014–2016).
