As Kenya gears up for the 2027 general election, young people are being urged to exercise caution and responsibility on social media, with authorities warning that online insults, hate speech, and inflammatory posts could spark tension and deepen divisions among communities.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has highlighted the growing risk of digital platforms being misused during politically charged periods, noting that reckless online behavior could undermine national cohesion. The Commission is encouraging youth to use social media to promote peace, dialogue, and unity rather than sow discord.
“Social media messages can either calm situations or worsen them,” said NCIC Executive Secretary Daniel Mutegi, stressing that unverified claims and careless language online have previously fueled hostility during election cycles.
Online Platforms as Double-Edged Swords
According to NCIC, social media has increasingly become a space for political mobilization, misinformation, and abuse, particularly around election time. Without careful use, these platforms risk inflaming ethnic and political divisions, with consequences that spill into real-world conflict.
To address this, NCIC has partnered with the community-based conflict resolution organization Search for Common Ground to launch a youth-focused program promoting responsible online engagement.
The initiative kicked off with a three-day workshop in Mvindeni, Kwale County, gathering young people from diverse backgrounds to discuss the impact of online behavior on community relations. Participants included social media influencers, content creators, and representatives from local government and educational institutions, including the Technical University of Mombasa.
Sessions centered on:
- Recognizing harmful content
- Verifying information before sharing
- Countering hate speech without escalating conflict
“The training helps young people identify abuse, report it, and respond safely without putting victims at further risk,” explained Judy Kimamo, country director of Search for Common Ground. She noted that online sexual violence and subtle forms of abuse were also addressed during the sessions.
Equipping Youth to Be Agents of Peace
The program aims to equip young Kenyans with practical skills to navigate social media safely, while raising awareness of the broader impact their online actions can have on community cohesion and national peace.
Content creator Juma Madundo, a workshop participant, said the sessions helped him realize how easily social media posts can influence public opinion, especially during politically sensitive periods.
“The discussions encouraged us to think critically about the messages we amplify and our responsibility as content creators,” Madundo said.
NCIC and its partners stressed that young people, who dominate social media use, hold the key to shaping a calmer and more constructive online environment. How they engage online in the months ahead could either intensify divisions or foster a peaceful electoral period.
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