On February 22, 2025, we convened a forum at the Royal Castle Hotel Mombasa to address the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation. Digital rights advocates, media professionals, government representatives, and civil society members gathered to confront the insidious spread of false narratives, which threaten social cohesion, public health, political stability, and security in Mombasa County.
Like many regions in Kenya, the forum recognized that Mombasa is grappling with the pervasive effects of misinformation and disinformation due to limited internet access and low digital literacy. The goal was to equip participants with practical strategies to identify and address false information, fostering a culture of digital vigilance.
Our Chairman, Kennedy Kachwanya, opened the forum by contextualizing the challenge of misinformation within the digital landscape. “Misinformation thrives in environments where access to credible information is limited,” Kachwanya explained. “We must empower citizens with the tools to discern truth from falsehood, especially in the digital space. If we do not control the information that is out there, it will control us.” he stated, “We are here to talk about the dangers of misinformation and how it affects our society.”
As digital platforms, particularly social media, become increasingly pervasive, the spread of false narratives has accelerated, leaving residents vulnerable to manipulation and distrust. From election cycles to public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation has fueled tensions, eroded trust in institutions, and inflicted tangible harm on individuals and communities.
The forum’s main agenda was to, raise awareness about the dangers of false information, enhance digital literacy to empower citizens to discern credible sources, promote collaboration among key stakeholders, and develop counter-narratives to combat the spread of falsehoods. The urgency of these goals resonated deeply with attendees, who shared firsthand experiences of how misinformation had impacted their lives and communities.
One key takeaway from the forum was the critical role of digital literacy. In a world awash with information, the ability to critically evaluate sources and identify manipulated content is paramount. Participants emphasized the need for accessible training programs that equip residents with the skills to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.
Speaking during the event, Maureen Mudi, Mombasa Regional Coordinator Media Council of Kenya emphasized that, “As journalists and human rights defenders, we have a responsibility not only to expose injustices but also to contribute to meaningful change”. She further cautioned against sensationalism and underscored the importance of fact-checking to combat misinformation and disinformation before publishing stories.
The development of counter-narratives, accurate and compelling stories that counteract false information, was also highlighted. Participants stressed the need for creative and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences, effectively challenging the spread of misinformation.
The forum also highlighted the importance of empowering voices through digital platforms. Content creators and digital rights advocates discussed how these platforms can be leveraged to promote accurate information and counter false narratives. The event featured interactive Q&A sessions, allowing participants to share their experiences and engage with the speakers.
The discussions underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, civil society organizations, tech companies, and media practitioners to combat misinformation effectively. By working together, stakeholders can develop and implement strategies to fact-check information, debunk false narratives, and promote media literacy.
By raising awareness, fostering digital literacy, promoting collaboration, and developing counter-narratives, Mombasa can build a more resilient information ecosystem. The fight against misinformation and disinformation is not just about protecting the integrity of information; it’s about safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of the community.