Use and Misuse of Social Media and National Security in Africa: A Delicate Balance between Order and Liberty in Kenya

Social media activism in Africa presents both opportunities and risks. It promotes transparency, accountability, and civic engagement, but also generates misinformation, polarization, and security threats. In Kenya, campaigns such as #RejectFinanceBill2024 have demonstrated how online mobilization can strengthen democratic participation but also escalate to unrest when fueled by disinformation and incitement. This study examines the impact of social media activism on national security in Kenya between 2014 and 2024, focusing on three objectives: how social media facilitates activism that threatens security, the correlation between online activism and security breaches, and the effectiveness of government interventions. Anchored in Social Movement Theory, Network Theory, and Securitization Theory, the study employed a descriptive design, random sampling of 384 social media users and purposive sampling of 10 experts, and mixed data collection through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive and thematic analysis revealed that platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp are central to both civic mobilization and the spread of hate speech, propaganda, and cyber threats. Correlation tests showed strong associations between online activism and violent protests as well as between activism and the unintentional spread of misinformation. While government responses, ranging from legislation to digital surveillance, aimed to contain these risks, they have often sparked public contestation for undermining freedoms. The study concludes that safeguarding Kenya’s national security requires balanced regulatory frameworks, platform-specific co regulation, digital literacy initiatives, and real-time crisis communication, measures that address genuine threats without eroding constitutional rights.