Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has urged young people to uphold discipline, integrity and responsibility in their use of digital platforms.
Mudavadi warned that online misconduct could have lasting consequences on their future opportunities.
Speaking on Monday during the ongoing Kenya Software and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit 2025, scheduled for November 10th to 12th at Moi University Annex Campus in Uasin Gishu County, Mudavadi said a person’s digital footprint has become a critical factor in determining eligibility for various opportunities, including international travel.
The meeting brings together students, innovators, policymakers and technology experts to discuss the role of software and AI in shaping Kenya’s digital economy and future workforce.
“Your digital footprint is very important. It can either propel you to greater heights or become a stumbling block,” he said, adding, “There are countries that now examine your online presence before issuing a visa. This is no longer fiction; it is reality.”
Mudavadi cautioned young people against using social media to disparage leaders or spread negativity, noting that such behaviour could backfire in the long run.
“It may look fashionable to ridicule the President or other leaders online, but it will not be fashionable when your visa is denied because of your digital record,” he remarked.
He emphasised the need for ethical online conduct, urging the youth to use digital platforms productively and to project positive values that reflect well on themselves and the nation.
“Enjoy the digital space, but do what is right and ethical. We want you to go far, not to be limited by mistakes made online,” he added.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also called on young Kenyans to exercise caution when travelling or engaging abroad, reminding them that the laws and protections of Kenya’s Constitution do not apply beyond its borders.
“Once you step beyond Kenya’s borders, you are under another country’s laws. Be wise and careful. We don’t want to lose any young Kenyan or see a life obstructed by avoidable choices,” he said.
He further encouraged the youth to embrace innovation and global opportunities while maintaining their African identity and values.
“There’s an African proverb that says, ‘Break the chains and you gain your freedom, but if you cut your roots, you die.,” Let us break the chains of poverty and ignorance, but never cut our roots. You are Kenyans, you are Africans; keep your roots as you go out into the world,” he emphasised.
His remarks come just days after the release of two Kenyan activists who had been detained in Uganda for 38 days, a case that underscored his call for young people to remain mindful of the laws and regulations governing foreign countries when engaging beyond Kenya’s borders.
By Fredrick Maritim
