Kenya’s political landscape has been significantly shaped by technology, which acts as both a bridge to civic empowerment and a tool for disruption. From the Gen Z-driven resistance to the Finance Bill 2024 to cyberbullying and misinformation, technology’s role in Kenya’s politics is both transformative and troubling. While its benefits outweigh its drawbacks, its dark side demands urgent attention to safeguard democratic progress.
The Good: Social Media as a Political Equalizer
In recent years, social media has emerged as a powerful equalizer in Kenyan politics. The Gen Z-led movement against the Finance Bill 2024 stands as a testament to this. Platforms like Twitter and TikTok were instrumental in mobilizing resistance, with hashtags like #FinanceBill2024MustFall trending nationwide. Viral videos explaining the bill’s impact resonated with millions, forcing the government to engage with the concerns of ordinary citizens.
This digital activism mirrors past successes, such as the “Red Vest Movement” in 2017, which protested corruption. Social media has democratized political participation, allowing Kenyans to hold leaders accountable and shape public discourse in ways previously unimaginable.
The Bad: The Polarization and Abuse of Digital Spaces
Despite these successes, technology has deepened political polarization and enabled abusive behaviour. During the Finance Bill protests, social media platforms were flooded with degrading caricatures and videos portraying President William Ruto and his allies in gruesome ways. While such acts reflect widespread frustration, they undermine constructive dialogue and foster hostility.
Additionally, algorithms on platforms like Facebook and Twitter often amplify divisive content, creating echo chambers. A case in point is the build-up to Kenya’s 2017 elections, when misinformation and ethnicized narratives proliferated online, exacerbating political divisions. These polarizing trends undermine Kenya’s democratic ethos, which thrives on constructive engagement and consensus-building.
The Ugly: Manipulation and Misinformation
The darker side of technology in Kenyan politics reveals its susceptibility to exploitation. The 2017 Cambridge Analytica scandal, where data analytics were used to manipulate voter perceptions during Kenya’s elections, is a prime example. False narratives and targeted ads exploiting tribal divisions were disseminated widely, eroding public trust in the electoral process.
Another worrying trend is the weaponization of misinformation to discredit opponents. In the run-up to the 2022 general election, fake news campaigns targeted candidates on both sides, spreading false accusations to sway voters. These manipulations tarnish the credibility of Kenya’s democratic processes and deepen public cynicism.
Why Shutting Down Social Media Is Not the Solution
Given these challenges, some leaders have floated the idea of regulating or even shutting down social media. However, this approach is short-sighted. Social media’s role in empowering citizens and fostering accountability far outweighs its risks. Shutting down these platforms would not address the systemic grievances driving online hostility; it would merely silence legitimate dissent.
Instead, the government must focus on the underlying causes of public discontent. Issues such as corruption, economic inequality, and poor service delivery are the root triggers of anger expressed online. Tackling these systemic problems would not only reduce abusive online behaviour but also foster more meaningful political dialogue.
Toward a Balanced Use of Technology in Politics
To mitigate the risks while maximizing the benefits of technology in politics, Kenya must adopt a balanced approach. First, promoting digital literacy is crucial. Educating citizens to discern credible information from fake news can counter the spread of misinformation.
Second, fostering ethical online behaviour is essential. Public campaigns to promote respectful political engagement, combined with enforcement of existing laws against cyberbullying and hate speech, can create safer digital spaces.
Lastly, addressing the digital divide is imperative. While urban Kenyans often leverage technology for political participation, many in rural areas remain excluded due to limited internet access. Expanding digital infrastructure would ensure that more citizens can engage in the political process.
A Path Forward
Technology’s role in Kenyan politics reflects the broader tension between progress and disruption. Its potential to empower marginalized voices and foster transparency must be weighed against its risks of manipulation and polarization. Kenya’s experience offers a roadmap for harnessing technology responsibly: not by silencing dissent but by addressing the systemic issues that fuel digital conflict.
As a country, we have come from very far: the ghosts of the ´Nyayo´ era still haunt us, we cannot afford to slide back. With all its badness and ugliness, social media is the saviour we’ve been waiting for in championing our course. In the end, technology is neither inherently good nor bad—it is a tool shaped by its users. For Kenya, the path forward lies in leveraging this tool to build a more inclusive, transparent, and participatory democracy.