Democracy in Action: CMD-Kenya Unveils 8th People Dialogue Festival

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By Maximilla Wafula

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 platform aimed at fostering structured, inclusive and issue-based dialogue among Kenyans. In a press statement released on 3rd March 2026, CMD-Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Kenya’s democratic culture by promoting dialogue over division and focusing on issues rather than personalities.
As Kenya’s premier multiparty dialogue platform bringing together more than 30 political parties across the political divide, CMD-Kenya continues to create safe and structured spaces where political actors, state institutions, civil society and citizens can engage constructively on matters of national interest.

The organization noted that in a rapidly evolving democracy, dialogue is not merely an option but a necessity for building trust, enhancing accountability and improving governance and electoral integrity.
Since October 2025, CMD-Kenya and its partners have convened high-level policy dialogues with national leaders and governance experts, county town hall forums to amplify grassroots voices, and school and campus dialogues to engage young people in democratic participation.

These engagements have generated citizen-driven perspectives that will culminate at the People Dialogue Festival, where stakeholders are expected to deliberate and ratify a consolidated issue-based national agenda to guide democratic engagement beyond the event.
This year’s festival will be co-convened by over 50 civil society organizations, more than 30 political parties, learning institutions and key state agencies, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The 2026 focus is Elections Preparedness, with IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon expected to lead reflections on voter registration, electoral integrity, political party preparedness, dispute resolution, civic education and public trust.
In a notable step toward practical civic engagement, voter registration services will be available at the festival venue throughout the four days. CMD-Kenya has called on the media to amplify the national dialogue and encourage citizens to actively participate in shaping Kenya’s democratic future.