Rise of Fake News in Kenya: Impact and Mitigation Measures in 21st Century

Abstract

In recent past, the spread of fake news has come up as pettifogging factor across the globe, African states including in Kenya. This paper is an investigation of the multifaceted effects of fake news on various aspects of Kenyan society regarding politics, social cohesion and public health including suggesting possible mitigation measures to stop the spread. A mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis of media reports and social media content to assess the prevalence and impact of fake news in Kenya was used. Data collection involved sampling diverse regions in Kenya to ensure effective representation across different contexts. The study result show that fake news in Kenya has significant, far-reaching and multifaceted repercussions on politics, democracy, social cohesion and public health. For example, the country is facing troubled democratic processes, misinformation, polarization and erosion of trust in social institutions especially in healthcare. In addition, fake news are a cause of aggravated social tensions, fueling political, ethnic and religious tensions. In public health, undermines efforts of health institutions to fight diseases such as COVID - 19 and malaria, leading to public fear, mistrust and unwillingness to seek medical services or get vaccinated. In order to win public trust, there is need for concerted efforts to address fake news and its related challenges in Kenya. This study suggests combating fake news through using holistic approaches to empower Kenyan citizens with critical thinking skills, strengthening regulatory mechanisms and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Strategies including and not limited to media literacy programs, regulatory frameworks for digital platforms and collaborative initiatives between governments, civil society and the private sector are suggested. In addition, there is need to promote independent journalism and fact-checking initiatives which are essential for combating the spread of misinformation. Failure to combat fake news jeopardizes the progress and stability of Kenyan communities, highlighting the need for proactive interventions.