In
an era defined by rapid technological advancements, government communication is
undergoing a major shift.
The rise of digital platforms, artificial intelligence (AI) and an increasingly tech-savvy young population is reshaping the dissemination and consumption of information.
The question remains: does our country have adequate policies and legislation to control the internet and social media space?
The Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA), of 1998 was enacted to provide the framework for regulating the communications sector in Kenya.
The law has undergone amendments like KICA amendment of 2013 and 2022.
Kenya's cyber security laws including the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018 (CMCA), the Data Protection Act 2019 and ICTA ICT Standards help in regulating the internet and telecommunications sector.
However, we need better policies and regulations to address the emerging trends in the digital space.“We are seeing a more informed and vocal generation that utilizes digital spaces to challenge narratives and demand accountability”, notes, Deputy Government Spokesperson and Political Analysts Mr. Gabriel Muthuma in an interview with TheSocialNewsRoom.
From the events of June 2024, when Gen-Zs took to the streets, we have seen a surge in misinformation, through online activism, Mr. Muthuma observes, adding that the nation has since experienced a delicate balance between freedom of expression and national security.
He notes that Kenya’s youth, particularly Generation-Zs, are at the forefront of the digital revolution and with this tech expertise, we are entering a sphere where we will not be able to define our own realities.
This shift is affecting how government communication is carried including the agenda setting.
“Young people are very active in digital spaces; they are shaping narratives faster than traditional media” emphasized Mr. Muthuma.
This digital fluency has given rise to new forms of political expression.
In recent times, we have seen a rise in online protests and coordinated social media campaigns.
For instance, the #RejectFinanceBill protests saw thousands of young Kenyans mobilize on social media, showcasing their ability to influence national discourse.
As digital platforms become central to public engagement, the Government is expected to embrace new communication strategies.
Traditional press briefings and newspaper publications are no longer sufficient. Instead, government agencies are leveraging social media to relay official information swiftly and counter misinformation.
However, the challenge remains in controlling the narrative amidst an ocean of user-generated content. Misinformation spreads ten-times faster than the truth.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Gabriel Muthuma prepares for an interview with ThSocialNewsroom digital space hosts/HANDOUT
The government must constantly be proactive in clarifying facts before misinformation takes root.
The government is trying to develop fact-checking initiatives and real-time updates from official government handles to combat fake news.
The challenge lies in the changing tech where A.I, Chat Bot and Natural Language Processing among others, keep evolving.
AI-powered chatbots, automated press releases, and sentiment analysis tools are helping authorities gauge public opinion and respond accordingly.
“A.I can however, be a double-edged sword. While it enhances efficiency in public communication, it also has the potential to be misused, particularly in deep-fakes and political propaganda,” Mr. Muthuma warns.
And as A.I-generated misinformation becomes more sophisticated, the Government faces an uphill task of regulating its use while still promoting technological innovation considering Kenya is a democratic nation.
However, just like in any other nation, democracy has a limit. Regulation should not mean suppression; it should protect citizens while allowing healthy debate, the Deputy Government Spokesperson claims.
Our nation is faced with the challenge of balancing between democracy and the regulation of digital speech because, while the internet has democratized information flow, it has also facilitated the spread of hate speech and incitement.
“We have seen instances where social media has been used both as a tool for democratic engagement and as a platform for harmful content, says Mr. Muthuma.
The government has implemented laws against cyber harassment and hate speech, but concerns about limiting freedom of expression persist.
“Freedom of speech is protected, but it must be exercised responsibly. When digital platforms are used to incite violence, the government has a duty to intervene.” Mr. Muthuma states,
Cyber-attacks targeting government databases, voter registration systems and national security infrastructure are at a rise, posing risks to data integrity while, widespread use of digital surveillance tools raise concerns on prevalent privacy violation.
On the other hand, Kenyans are concerned that under the guise of national security, authorities could infringe on their right to privacy by monitoring online activities, tracking digital footprints and even restricting access to certain platforms.
A transparent cybersecurity framework will help strike a balance between national security and individual privacy rights whereas, strengthening cybersecurity policies, implementing robust data protection laws and promoting digital literacy will improve our social media.
Mr. Muthuma promises that online censorship will not curtail civic rights saying it will instead, maintain order in digital spaces although striking this balance remains work in progress.
The digital revolution is irreversible, and the Government must continue to evolve alongside technological advancements.
“Technology is not an enemy; it is a tool. How we use it determines whether it strengthens democracy or weakens it,” avers Mr. Muthuma.
Nanis Kathure Kirugara works at the Office of Government Spokesperson as a PSIP Intern
