By Grace Olwande
In this new millennium, methods of communication have advanced technologically, thanks to a technically savvy generation. Back then, access to information was tedious to a point no one bothered to find out what their leaders or representatives were up to except for what they would listen to from their televisions and radios. Of course, during this period, freedom of expression was limited. For sure, you wouldn’t break your radio or TV because you did not like what he/she said on TV.
This leads me to the question: Should freedom of expression be limited? According to Kenyan laws, computer misuse and cybercrime remain alive in documentation. However, how many Kenyans are behind bars due to computer misuse offences, and how many crimes are committed each day, including the ones committed by our lawmakers themselves. The truth is, cases reported on computer misuse are approximately 100 per day. Out of 100, only 5 cases get justice.
Disinformation is common among Kenyans. Disinformation is spreading false information about someone to harm them. This act mainly taints their reputation, which can damage their livelihood or career. Since #RejectFinanceBill2024, disinformation has been rampant, mainly to tarnish the government’s reputation. Indeed, we don’t have the best government, but surely, why defame it?
Let me give my examples. The government had an intention of improving the lives of HIV/AIDS patients by giving them an injectable vaccine, which will be available by January 2026. The injection is to be given twice a year, which can act as a (PrEP) option for people at high risk of infection and also available for persons living with the disease. Instead of having to swallow ARV tablets daily, they can get the injection twice a year. Which in my view can be a great relief to patients. However, the information that was in the public domain is that the government has malicious intentions of issuing HIV/AIDS vaccines, and that the vaccine would hurt people’s lives, including death fears.
Millions of Kenyans expressed their dissatisfaction with the government on their social media platforms on apps like TikTok, creating content to criticize the government, and I’m sure that by 2026 majority of Kenyans would not want to use the vaccine because of the disinformation around it. The majority of Kenyans expressed themselves on X spaces, accusing the government of being malicious and wanting to collect money from foreigners. When a medical doctor explained what the injection was all about, I was shocked to learn that the vaccine would not create harm but improve the lives of Kenyans. However, the question remains who is responsible for this misleading news that would risk the lives of patients living with the virus in Kenya.
TikTok is leading in disinformation among Kenyan social media platforms. People documented a lot of misleading news to defame the government, specifically during demonstrations. People have also documented misleading medical videos, which are viewed by thousands of Kenyans and can cause harm to patients or people who are caring for individuals with the disease. Sometimes disinforming contents are corrected by medical petitioners who happen to be on the platform; however, not all can be corrected, but the information is out there in the public domain.
In conclusion, it’s important for all of us to ensure that online platforms are safe for every person. The way to achieve this is by ensuring we verify news before posting, before creating content about a government or an individual. Did you do any research about it? By doing research, you will improve your credibility and your content will be appreciated by the majority of online users. Law enforcement should also take charge by ensuring online safety is observed, and lawbreakers face the law regardless of their status. Creating a safe online space begins with you
The author is a Child Protection Advisor, Tutor and Child Rights Advocate.