Research Report on the Place of Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation on Governance in Kenya

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dc.contributor.authorObim, L.
dc.contributor.authorMailu, Stephen N.
dc.contributor.authorOmbati, E.
dc.contributor.authorOjwang, D.
dc.contributor.authorMwatela, Raphael Z.
dc.contributor.authorNyadera, Israel
dc.contributor.authorOdote, Peterlinus
dc.contributor.authorWendo, Dickens
dc.contributor.authorBitok, K.
dc.contributor.authorKirani, A.
dc.contributor.authorJepchirchir, J.
dc.date.accessioned2026-09-17T05:55:29Z
dc.date.available2026-09-17T05:55:29Z
dc.date.issued2025-10
dc.descriptionA Research Report on the Place of Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation on Governance in Kenya.
dc.description.abstractIn this digital era, the speed, scope and reach of information have exponentially expanded. This source of information for global audiences has emerged from a complex ecosystem, with traditional news media sources often taking a backseat. This information can be either factual or, in some instances, is fake, to misinform and disinform consumers. Such types of information are referred to as either Fake News, Misinformation, or Disinformation (FMD). FMD has been used and its impact studied in the election process and politics in general, although its implications on governance in Kenya are unclear. It is estimated that these phenomena affect trust or mistrust in institutions of governance, which in turn hinders effective governance and thereby poses a threat to national security and development of Kenya, as well as their ability or otherwise to impede government policy formulation as well as execution. The President of the Republic of Kenya is quoted as being concerned that FMD has affected public trust in institutions of government and the government’s ability to function correctly. While it is apparent that FMD has an impact on governance, the true extent of this impact is unclear. This study, therefore, attempted to answer the question of how FMD has affected the ability of the government to properly function, implement its policies and drive its agenda with a view to proposing strategies that can mitigate its negative impact on governance in Kenya. The study proposes some key policy interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of FMD on governance in Kenya. At the top of the list is the restructuring of government communication from the national to the county level that will promptly and factually relay government policy initiatives and debunk any cases of FMD. This should incorporate NGAO officers as they are the face of government at the regional and local levels. Secondly, the government, through the Government Delivery Unit, should eliminate policy lag, that is, the period it takes between a public pronouncement and execution of government policies, to build trust and seal gaps that get filled with FMD. Key findings indicate that FMD plays a role in governance in Kenya through its drivers and impact. Key drivers include the rise of social media, low digital literacy on FMD, political and economic factors, a disjointed and inadequate government communication, government policy lag and foreign actors. The impact of FMD on governance in Kenya includes erosion of public trust in institutions of government and initiatives, policy resistance by the public, socio-political polarisation and delayed government initiatives. iv While the government has governance instruments in place to curb FMD spread, the study aimed to assess the effectiveness of these instruments. Findings indicate that these instruments fall short of attaining their objectives. Regulatory frameworks available, including the Computer Misuse & Cybercrimes Act (Cap. 79C), the Kenya Information and Communication Act (Cap. 411A), and the Data Protection Act (Cap. 411C), are inconsistently applied. An attempt at an inter-agency coordination mechanism to combat FMD is available through the National Cyber Crime Coordination Committee (NC4). However, its capability is hindered by a lack of constitutional backing to ‘police the cyberspace’. Other instruments, such as a factchecking system utilising technology and cybersecurity controls, were also examined. On fact-checking, the government lacks a system to detect and flag FMD posts, while technology companies are not motivated to self-check as there is no legal requirement to do so. Regarding cybersecurity controls, it was noted that while the physical borders of the republic are manned and controlled, cyberspace is a free-for-all arena and lacks cyber-sovereignty through a national cyber defence capability. The study proposes some key policy interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of FMD on governance in Kenya. At the top of the list is the restructuring of government communication from the national to county level that will promptly and factually relay government policy initiatives and debunk any cases of FMD. This should incorporate NGAO officers as they are the face of government at the regional and local levels. Secondly, the government, through the Government Delivery Unit, should eliminate policy lag, that is, the period it takes between a public pronouncement and execution of government policies, to build trust with the public and seal gaps that get filled with FMD.. Another policy recommendation involves platform accountability and technological solutions, requiring digital platforms to detect and reduce FMD through self-regulation. The governments also need to employ a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach by bringing on board like-minded partners both within government and in the larger community to address FMD. If the communities are on board, that will be the most effective way to address the menace of FMD in our society. Other policy recommendations include deployment of tools, technologies and early warning systems, including cyber defences to enhance cyber sovereignty, enhancement of media and digital literacy campaigns on FMD for citizens, including ‘see, reflect, then post’, reforming the education curriculum to foster civic upbringing and public sensitisation forums like barazas, among others. Lastly, the government needs to establish social media regulations that align with existing constitutional safeguards, compelling technology companies to moderate and remove FMD content that misleads the public, and specify fines for non-compliance within a specified period. These regulations should focus on selfregulation of the digital platform sector or co-regulation with the government as appropriate. They will aim v at balancing rights with safety in cyberspace, while limiting the negative impacts of FMD. In conclusion, FMD's role in governance is its contribution to the erosion of public trust in government institutions and policy resistance by the public, all aimed at discrediting the government and portraying it in a bad light. A multi-pronged approach is required to address the phenomenon.
dc.description.sponsorshipNational Defence University-Kenya
dc.identifier.urihttps://repository.ndu.ac.ke/handle/123456789/234
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherNational Defence University-Kenya
dc.titleResearch Report on the Place of Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation on Governance in Kenya
dc.typeTechnical Report

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