Spread of fake news casts dark shadow ahead of 2027 polls

By  Daniel Ogetta

Reporter

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

• The latest Reuters Digital News report observed that social media and video networks are overtaking news websites and apps.
• In a digital world overflowing with information, misinformation and disinformation, access alone is not enough, the UN says. 

Nairobi will on Monday join the global community to mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information, with growing concerns over the spread of disinformation as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

This year’s event will be held under the theme; “Upholding information integrity in the digital age: The role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.”

The discussions are expected to focus on how access to reliable information can help counter misinformation, disinformation and other forms of information disorder, particularly during an election period.

The event comes at a time when Kenyans are increasingly consuming and sharing news through digital platforms, with the latest Reuters Digital News report observing that social media and video networks are overtaking news websites and apps.

Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo earlier this month said social media had become the primary source of news for 39 per cent of Kenyans, compared with 31 per cent for television, according to data cited by the council.

That shift, Mr Omwoyo observed, had disrupted the traditional flow of information from government to newsrooms and eventually to citizens.

At a time when the way Kenyans consume news is changing rapidly, this shift makes it easier for false or misleading information to spread.

Furthermore, the shift has increased the importance of timely, accurate and accessible public information. Under the Kenyan Constitution, every citizen has the right to access information held by the State.

The law also sets out the framework for requesting information from public entities and gives the Commission on Administrative Justice an oversight role in enforcing the right.

“Access to information in the digital age is unique for the media sector in Kenya. The media plays a watchdog role by fostering accountability, democracy, and public participation. However, as we head towards the general election, both the commission and the council must prioritise empowering the media to disseminate accurate electoral information,” Mr Omwoyo said in April when he hosted a team from the Ombudsman office.

The challenge also extends to the safety of journalists tasked with providing that information.

The MCK has, in recent months, raised concerns over attacks on journalists. This includes the abduction of Standard Group Editor Alex Kiprotich on September 1, and attacks by goons on journalists while on duty.

Globally, September 28 is recognised by Unesco as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

The United Nations General Assembly recognised the day at the UN level in 2019, after Unesco had proclaimed it in 2015. This year’s global conference marking the day will be held in Sierra Leone.

In a digital world overflowing with information, misinformation and disinformation, access alone is not enough, the UN says. 

“People also need timely, reliable information. Timely and credible public information can strengthen trust, support informed decisions and help people participate meaningfully in society,” reads information on the UN official website.

The 2026 International Day for Universal Access to Information, the UN says, will explore “how access to reliable official information, proactive disclosure, media and information literacy, credible data and digital technologies can contribute to a healthier information environment.”

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