The United States embassy in Nairobi through ambassador Robert Godec has launched a campaign against the spread of fake news in Kenya.
Under the hash tag #StopReflectVerify, the US has collaborated with Kenyan organisations and activists to counter the spread of disinformation. The campaign will make use of educational videos and internet posts to promote “media literacy.”
“Fake news is undermining confidence in news media in Kenya,” a State Department official said on Monday.
“A free and strong media is necessary for a strong democracy.”
Public affairs officials in all the 47 counties will also be educated on the need to be more responsive to reporters seeking to fact-check claims.
Last year's presidential election campaigns were marred by massive spread of false news through social media platforms.
The #StopReflectVerify project will mobilise the 47,000 Kenyans who are members of the Young African Leaders Initiative (Yali). Yali is seen as one of ex-President Barack Obama's most effective tool to apply US “soft power” in the African continent.
More than 10,000 African youths have taken part in seminars and other trainings in the US since Obama unveiled Yali in 2010.
In an interview with a local media, Godec stated: “Fake news is being weaponised. It’s undermining democracy in Kenya.”
No comments:
Post a Comment