As Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Elections, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has raised concerns about the misuse of social media, warning that online insults, hate speech, and inflammatory content could escalate tensions among communities.
The commission is calling on young people to turn online platforms into tools for promoting peace, dialogue, and unity, rather than division.
In response, NCIC, in partnership with a community conflict resolution organisation, Search for Common Ground, has launched a comprehensive project aimed at training youth on responsible social media use.
The initiative brings together content creators, social media influencers, and active online users to equip them with the skills to communicate online safely, positively, and constructively.
Speaking at a three-day workshop in Mvindeni, Kwale County, NCIC Executive Secretary Daniel Mutegi emphasised the importance of responsible online engagement.
“Words online matter; they can either build bridges or sow division. As we approach the 2027 elections, it is critical that young people use social media to promote messages of unity and harmony,” said Mutegi.
He noted that during previous election cycles, unverified information, rumours, and inflammatory content shared online contributed to tension and conflict in some areas.
“We want to prevent a repeat of such incidents by equipping young people with knowledge on how to handle information responsibly,” he added.
Judy Kimamo, country director of Search for Common Ground, explained that the training goes beyond social media etiquette. It also addresses the impact of online sexual violence and provides participants with tools for identifying, reporting, and responding to such incidents.
“Our organisation is committed to building peace in communities. Through these projects, we aim to ensure that social media is a safe space where young people can express themselves positively while being aware of the effects their online actions can have on others,” said Kimamo.
Content creator Juma Madundo, who participated in the workshop, commended the initiative. “This training has helped me understand the power of social media. I have learnt how to engage responsibly and to use my platform to influence others positively,” he said.
The workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the county government, leadership from the Technical University of Mombasa, and social media influencers who have been participating in similar programmes since 2025. The discussions focused on fostering cohesion, promoting positive narratives, combating online hate speech, and ensuring that young people are agents of peace in their communities.
Kimamo highlighted that the initiative is part of a series of “Catalyst Projects” designed to address community challenges and empower youth. These projects aim to strengthen social cohesion, encourage constructive dialogue, and build resilience against misinformation and conflict, both online and offline.
As Kenya heads into the next general elections, NCIC and its partners are calling for an online environment that prioritises dialogue, mutual respect, and responsibility.
They emphasise that the youth, who are the most active users of social media, play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and safeguarding peace.
The programme reflects a growing recognition that technology can either fuel division or promote unity, depending on how it is used. NCIC is urging youth to choose the path of peace, ensuring that social media becomes a platform for constructive engagement rather than conflict.
By Chari Suche
