Nation Media Group, Group Managing Director and CEO, Geoffrey Odundo, speaks during the launch of the “Mimi ni Mkenya” initiative at Serena Hotel in Nairobi on March 26, 2026. The initiative aims to promote national unity, shared identity, and civic responsibility among Kenyans. Bonface Bogita | Nation
The Nation Media Group (NMG) on Thursday launched the ‘Mimi ni Mkenya’ nationwide civic engagement initiative aimed at empowering Kenyans to participate meaningfully in issue-driven national conversations.
The platform comes at a time when the country is gearing up for next year’s elections.
The ‘Mimi ni Mkenya’ campaign provides a structured, credible and accessible space for engagement, connecting citizens directly with leaders and fostering discussions grounded in lived realities. The initiative will feature nationwide town halls, policy-focused conversations and forums designed to counter misinformation and provide verified information to support informed decision-making.
It also seeks to empower all citizens, including women, youth and marginalised communities, to participate meaningfully in governance.
Speaking at the launch in Nairobi, NMG Group Managing Director and CEO Geoffrey Odundo described the initiative as a response to Kenya’s changing media and political landscape.
“We come into this conversation at a time when the country already feels the weight of another election cycle. Information today travels instantly, narratives form quickly and not all content is verified,” Mr Odundo said.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo stressed that the media must take the lead in addressing pressing civic challenges by facilitating a nationwide conversation on responsibility, accountability and active citizen participation.
“The Mimi ni Mkenya initiative reflects the different issues facing the people and aligns with government efforts to engage citizens meaningfully,” he said.
Dr Omollo noted that accountability in Kenya is a collective responsibility, adding that just as the Executive is held to account, the Judiciary, Legislature and citizens must also act responsibly and engage actively in governance.
“Kenya is a shared responsibility. As we hold the Executive to account, we must also ensure the Judiciary, Legislature and citizens themselves are equally responsible,” he said.
The PS noted the need for the media to present balanced and diverse perspectives and to help citizens understand their role in ensuring accountability across all levels of government.
Democratic process
The launch comes at a critical moment for Kenya’s democracy, with its youthful population expected to play a decisive role in future elections.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina urged the media and institutions to engage young Kenyans early, stressing the importance of civic education in schools.
“We must start the conversation with 17 and 18-year-olds in high school. These young people will bear the consequences of decisions they did not make unless we equip them to participate meaningfully in shaping the country,” he said.
He also called on media houses to support programmes that encourage young people to develop leadership skills, explore entrepreneurship and embrace their identity as active citizens.
On his part, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Erastus Ethekon underscored the importance of citizen engagement, saying it is central to the democratic process.
“We are committed to enabling Kenyans to exercise their constitutional rights to elect their leaders and constitute their government. That is what strengthens sovereign power,” Mr Ethekon said.
According to the IEBC chairperson, an engaged electorate is the foundation of a healthy democracy and essential for building accountable institutions.
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, who was also present, stressed the importance of active citizen participation.
“Platforms such as ‘Mimi ni Mkenya’ are vital because they remind us that democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires participation and responsibility,” Mr Ingonga said.
Dr Manu Chandaria, founder of the Chandaria Foundation, highlighted the potential of Kenya’s youth to drive transformative change, noting that platforms like Mimi ni Mkenya can provide guidance, mentorship and opportunities for meaningful participation in society.
The initiative leverages NMG’s multi-platform reach across print, broadcast and digital media to create non-partisan spaces where Kenyans can engage beyond political noise.
“Through ‘Mimi ni Mkenya,’ we invite citizens to engage thoughtfully, listen carefully and contribute to a conversation that reflects not just where we are, but where we want to go — and ultimately who we will become before, during and after the election,” Mr Odundo said.
NMG Chief Commercial Officer James Sogoti described the initiative as a long-term national conversation.
“The initiative is designed to spark sustained dialogue over the next 18 months about the role citizens play in shaping the country’s future. It is about understanding the responsibilities we hold as citizens and the impact each of us can have,” Mr Sogoti said.
He emphasised that the platform aims to foster issue-driven discussions that encourage Kenyans to reflect on both their rights and responsibilities.
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