Media council cracks down on unapproved opinion polls ahead of by-elections
The council emphasised that these polls are both illegal and misleading, as they do not adhere to scientific or professional standards.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has issued a warning to journalists, media outlets, and online platforms, urging them to refrain from conducting or publishing unauthorised election-related opinion polls ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-elections.
The by-elections, as confirmed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), will cover 27 electoral seats, including the Baringo Senate position and 16 ward-level contests.
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In a statement on Sunday, MCK condemned the unauthorised surveys, labelling them as "voodoo" polls. The council emphasised that these polls are both illegal and misleading, as they do not adhere to scientific or professional standards.
MCK pointed out that such surveys violate the Electoral Opinion Polls Act, 2012, and the council's Election Reporting Guidelines.
"MCK is reminding outlets, journalists, and online platforms that conducting or publishing unscientific and unauthorised election-related opinion polls is illegal and must stop immediately ahead of the by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025," the statement said.
Misleading
The council further criticised "call-in" or "instant polls," calling them misleading for failing to meet legal and professional standards. These types of polls also violate the statutory prohibition on publishing opinion poll results during the five days leading up to election day.
MCK also clarified that random public statements do not qualify as scientific surveys.
"MCK Election Reporting Guidelines clearly apply to social media polls, live broadcasts, phone-ins, and talk shows. They require media houses, journalists, and practitioners to refrain from conducting opinion polls and publishing results on their social media platforms," the council stated.
"Statements gathered during live or pre-recorded vox-pop segments from people chosen at random are not scientific surveys."
The council urged media practitioners to comply with relevant laws and ethical standards to prevent misleading the public or violating professional guidelines.
"Journalists and media organisations are therefore urged to desist from any practices that could place them in breach of the law, professional ethical standards, or their own editorial policies, all of which demand responsible and lawful journalistic conduct," MCK said.
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