CMD-Kenya to Host 8th People Dialogue Festival with Focus on 2026 Elections Preparedness

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By Irene 



The Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya (CMD-Kenya) has announced final preparations for the 8th Edition of the People Dialogue Festival (PDF), a four-day national civic forum aimed at deepening structured, inclusive and issue-based dialogue across the country. 

Speaking ahead of the festival, CMD-Kenya — Kenya’s premier multiparty platform bringing together more than 30 political parties — said this year’s event will place special emphasis on Elections Preparedness as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election cycle.

 Since October 2025, the organization and its partners have convened high-level policy dialogues, county town halls, and school and campus forums to gather citizen-driven perspectives that will now be consolidated into a national issue-based agenda during the festival. The event will feature joint plenary sessions on governance reforms, electoral integrity, accountability and citizen participation, alongside thematic dialogue spaces known as “Gumzos” focusing on political party reforms, gender inclusion and democratic strengthening. More than 50 civil society organizations, over 30 political parties, learning institutions and at least 10 state agencies — including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) — are expected to participate. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon will lead discussions on voter registration, electoral technology, dispute resolution and public trust, with voter registration services set to be available at the venue throughout the four days.

 CMD-Kenya has called on the media and the public to actively engage in and amplify the festival, describing it as a crucial national platform for shaping Kenya’s democratic future through dialogue over division and issues over personalities.

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