The rise of social media has brought about so many shifts including the emergence of citizen journalism a movement powered by everyday individuals reporting news through platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
This shift is redefining traditional journalism and reshaping the conversation around free speech and press freedom. Key historic citizen journalism examples include the #BlackLivesMatter movement and the recent #RejectFinanceBill2024 hashtags which brought significant shifts to how strong citizen journalism is. In each case, citizens on the ground used their mobile devices to film protests, violence, and human rights and democratic abuses to provide unfiltered access to the realities happening around them. Social media became the medium through which the world saw events that may have been underreported or misrepresented by traditional media.
Additionally, social media has provided Kenyans a platform to report, share, and amplify local stories. A striking example is the use of Twitter during political events like the 2017 general elections, where hashtags like #ElectionsKE and #BallotWatch allowed citizens to post election results, document irregularities, and even alert the world to cases of violence or police brutality. This decentralized way of reporting bypasses traditional media filters, allowing Kenyans to share unedited and unfiltered information directly from their communities.
Citizen journalism has also been instrumental in bringing attention to human rights abuses. During the June-July protests against the 2024 Finance Bill, social media platforms were flooded with photos and videos shared by residents, showing instances of police brutality and peaceful protests that were often underreported by mainstream media. The X Platform enabled these communities to document events as they happened, ensuring the global community took notice.
In Kenya, where mainstream media can sometimes be perceived as being biased due to political or corporate influence, social media has proved to offer an uncensored outlet for free speech. Citizen journalists have used platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to report on issues such as corruption, police misconduct, and the misuse of public funds.
Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when misinformation about the virus was rampant, social media became a vital tool for disseminating accurate information. Citizen journalists and healthcare workers took to X and Facebook to debunk myths, provide health updates, and report on the government’s response to the pandemic. In rural areas where access to traditional news outlets is limited, these platforms became a critical source of information.
The rise of citizen journalism in Kenya has presented both opportunities and challenges for traditional media. On one hand, it has expanded the scope of news coverage. Newsrooms often rely on citizen-generated content, especially when reporting on hard-to-reach areas or covering breaking news.
However, the influx of unverified information poses a significant challenge to press freedom and journalistic standards. While citizen journalism is a valuable tool, it can sometimes lead to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. A notable instance was the spread of false election results in 2017, where conflicting information shared on WhatsApp and Facebook created confusion and tension across the country.
Mainstream journalists in Kenya must also grapple with the erosion of their gatekeeping role. Traditionally, professional reporters were seen as the custodians of truth, responsible for ensuring accuracy and objectivity in their reporting. With the advent of citizen journalism, anyone can post content online, challenging the status and authority of traditional media. This shift forces Kenyan journalists to not only compete for attention but also constantly verify and fact-check information shared on social media.
Ethical Challenges facing Citizen Journalism
Citizen journalism in Kenya faces significant ethical and regulatory challenges. For instance, the Kenyan government has occasionally cracked down on social media users and citizen journalists under the pretext of curbing hate speech, misinformation, or incitement to violence. However, this has sparked concerns about the infringement on free speech. Several bloggers have been arrested multiple times for sharing controversial content online. This raises questions about how to balance free speech with the need for responsible reporting, especially in a country where ethnic tensions can be easily inflamed.
Furthermore, while social media gives a voice to the voiceless, the lack of formal training in journalistic ethics can lead to unintended consequences. In some cases, citizens may post content that puts themselves or others in danger, especially when reporting on sensitive political issues or during election cycles.
Also, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act passed in 2018 has also added another layer of complexity. Although designed to curb cybercrimes and online harassment, critics argue that it can be used to stifle dissent and silence critical voices. Many activists and citizen journalists have expressed concern that the act could be weaponized against those who use social media to hold the government accountable.
The Future of Citizen Journalism in Kenya
Citizen journalism is now an integral part of Kenya’s media landscape, and its influence is likely to grow. As more Kenyans gain access to smartphones and affordable internet, the number of people documenting their lives and communities online will increase.
However, for citizen journalism to thrive and contribute positively to press freedom and free speech, there needs to be a conscious effort to educate the public on responsible reporting and fact-checking.