Nairobi, Kenya – April 5, 2025 – Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has voiced strong concerns over the unchecked use of social media in Kenya. While addressing delegates during the COTU Shop Stewards Meeting on Saturday, Atwoli warned that the spread of misinformation online poses a serious threat to national stability and foreign investment.
“Those on social media must stop propaganda. You must love this country; if you do not love it, investors will go away. You will begin fights and end up like Sudan and Congo,” said Atwoli.
Atwoli pointed out that digital propaganda and online negativity could potentially incite unrest, similar to what has been experienced in conflict-affected countries like South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“You cannot even go to Goma or other countries engaged in war. In Somalia, they have never had a stable government, and we do not want to take that route. Now, it will force us to tell the government to regulate social media,” he added.
He also expressed concern about how platforms like TikTok are misused, especially by minors.
“It is a must we regulate social media because sometimes these children access apps such as TikTok, which show unethical videos. I want to tell you the truth—these platforms must be regulated,” he emphasized.
Atwoli’s sentiments were echoed by National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji, who also warned of the dangers posed by social media.
“Across the continent, we have seen a considerable increase in the use of social media platforms for advocacy and mobilization for civil actions. However, this has led to the emergence of coordinated and sustained misinformation and disinformation,” Haji noted.
“The misinformation and disinformation are aimed at misguiding citizens, leading them to make poor decisions and shaping their perceptions of their governments,” he added.
Both leaders emphasized the need for digital platform regulation to maintain peace, protect youth, and encourage economic growth.
