Dear Listers,

We are off to a great start! Thank you for taking the time to participate in Day 1 discussions. I have to say the quality of contributions is commendable! I look forward to more on Day 2 and Day 3 discussions.  Just to sum up:

On (a): Why is there an increase in the prevalence of Fake News recently?

There is consensus that Fake News is a new that is not new. The increase of media and ICT distribution channels has amplified the distribution of what was simply referred to as propaganda. Data mining/analysis companies and bloggers have turned it into a business model. The situation is worsened by State Players who have become perpetrators of Fake News as seen in the improper pursuit of political interests. In the electioneering period, political parties, having noted the instantaneous efficiency of Fake News, have invested in it to gain mileage. Lack of accountability for perpetrators of Fake News also incentivises its spread.

 I would like to reiterate for the benefit of the NCIC that one of our unique Kenyan problems is that Fake News often takes ethnic dimensions. Given the situation of our country and its history, this is something that needs to be addressed.

On (b): What is the role of different categories of users in combating Fake News?

A clarion call has been issued to invest in a National Value System recognizing Fake News jeopardizes the gains of the Internet as we risk the loss of trust in media platforms. There is an opportunity for the civil society to ‘protect the truth’ and a further call to invest in civic education. Unequivocally, all stakeholders have a duty to call out Fake News. We must create awareness on what Fake News is, its impact, how to spot it and how to stop it. There was an ingenious proposal to engage Bloggers as possible combatants of Fake News as they already enjoy wide readership.

 On (c): Have Kenyans given up or are there good practices in combating Fake News?

It is commendable that Kenyans have taken to Fact checking and calling out Fake News posts. Some Kenyans are able to spot Fake News quite fast. Unfortunately, there is also a feeling that Kenyans are beginning to lose trust in the information they receive.

On (d): Is Fake News a manifestation of deeper societal issues and if so, are there ways of combating it other than resolving the societal issues?

It is in agreement that indeed there are deeper societal issues. It has been proposed that as we look for ways to combat Fake News as an issue itself, we must also address underlying issues like the obsession with public office and negative ethnicity.

On (e): We have Bloggers who are seen as influencers. Do they have a higher duty when communicating?

Bloggers do have a higher duty. However, for some, Fake News is a business model with assured traffic. Given that blogging is a highly unregulated field- anyone can be a blogger, it may be difficult to enforce this duty.

​This is not the end of this conversation. Feel free to add a comment. We will now proceed to Day 2 discussions. ​

​Asanteni sana!​

Mercy Mutemi.

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