By Selly Neema – Policy & Communications Expert
Happy New Year! As we settle into 2026, Kenyans are already beginning to feel the momentum of the upcoming electioneering period. From television advertisements and billboards to branded merchandise and political rallies, the signs are increasingly visible. Additionally, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) resumed on 29th September 2025, pursuant to Article 88(4)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya.
As these political activities intensify, the likelihood of falsified narratives spreading, both online and offline also increases.
In an era dominated by popular social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), mis-, dis-, and mal-information have become almost commonplace. Whether it is a short video clip taken out of context or a seemingly well-written but misleading think piece going viral. Encountering false or deceptive information online has become routine.
What Is Mis-, Dis-, and Mal-information?
According to research on information disorder:
- Misinformation refers to false or misleading information shared without the intent to cause harm. It can be spread unintentionally
- Disinformation is deliberately false information shared with the intention to deceive or manipulate.
- Malinformation involves genuine or true information that is shared with the intent to harm, such as to shame, embarrass, or incite hostility.
How Does This Manifest in Kenya?
Following the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration, several social media posts urged young people to register “as soon as possible” due to an alleged impending deadline. Many users believed this claim and shared it widely.
Was the information false? Yes.
Was it intentional? Mostly no.
This was a clear example of misinformation. CVR only closes approximately six months before a General Election and may also be temporarily suspended in areas awaiting by-elections, as provided for under the Elections Act
Generative AI and the New Face of Disinformation
With the rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), disinformation has become more sophisticated and dangerous. One emerging threat is the use of deepfakes; digitally altered videos or audio clips that make individuals appear to say or do things they never did.
For instance, an aspiring political candidate could be portrayed using tribal slurs through manipulated video or voice cloning, with the intention of stirring ethnic animosity and political tension. In some cases, deepfakes are created using fragments of real conversations, making them even harder to detect. This underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing it further.
Context Is Everything
Malinformation can be as simple as taking a statement out of context. For example, if someone says, “They asked me to take their offer, but I declined,” an edited clip that excludes the latter part of the sentence could falsely imply acceptance. Such deliberate omissions are often used to mislead audiences and damage reputations.
There’s an Urgent Need for Digital Literacy
There is much more to learn about information disorder, and it is essential for citizens to educate themselves continuously. We must strengthen digital literacy within our communities, recognise echo chambers that shape our opinions, remain open to diverse perspectives (even uncomfortable ones), and consistently fact-check the information we encounter.
While this may require extra effort, it is a necessary investment. Failure to do so risks repeating the same mistakes that have previously undermined trust, cohesion, and democratic processes.
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