Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has once again voiced his concerns over the unregulated use of social media in Kenya, calling on the government to introduce regulations to curb its harmful effects, especially among the youth. Atwoli highlighted that the current state of social media content is detrimental to young people, placing the nation in a precarious position. He stressed that, unlike in countries such as China, where social media is tightly controlled, Kenya has yet to establish meaningful regulations to govern online discourse.
Speaking during Cotu’s annual prayer day, Atwoli emphasized the need for collective action, urging religious leaders, particularly the church, to speak out against the negative influence of platforms like TikTok. He pointed out that many young people on social media lack an understanding of the trade union movement and its role, with some even inciting violence and spreading misinformation. He argued that the unchecked nature of social media is creating a society where personal attacks and hate are rampant, particularly against political leaders and trade union figures.
Atwoli also used the platform to address the rising wave of online hate, urging young people to stop spreading negativity about the country’s leadership. “Instead of focusing on hatred, we need to come together to address the real challenges facing our nation,” he said. He also appealed to those criticizing him to focus on his abilities rather than resorting to personal attacks fueled by malice.
Despite the growing calls for regulation, ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo had earlier dismissed any plans to shut down social media, assuring the public that such discussions were not on the table. Kabogo reiterated that the government was not considering any drastic measures like turning off social media, emphasizing the importance of freedom in the digital space.
Atwoli’s remarks reflect broader concerns about the impact of unchecked online behavior, with calls growing for a more structured and responsible approach to social media use in Kenya.
