Disinformation and Misinformation During Kenya’s 2022 Election. Implications for Voter Confidence in the Electoral Process
Megatrends Policy Brief 14, 30.03.2023, 9 Pagesdoi:10.18449/2023MTA-PB14
Candidates Odinga and Ruto both used disinformation strategies in the run up to the August 2022 general elections in Kenya. This policy brief argues that this contributed to reducing voter confidence. To curb this trend, a well-coordinated cross-sectoral approach to tackling disinformation and misinformation should be adopted.
August 15, 2022, Nairobi: Kenyans follow the official proceedings on a smartphone as election results are announced. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared that Deputy President William Ruto had won the presidential race.
© picture alliance / ZUMAPRESS.com | Boniface Muthoni
Disinformation is increasingly informing political discourse. Large-scale campaigns are exercising political influence in countries such as Uganda, Sudan and Mali. Russia’s interference is viewed as particularly problematic. In the fourth policy workshop of Megatrends Afrika, we discussed just what kind of influence disinformation has and how the phenomenon can be countered.
China is investing in large-scale infrastructure projects across Africa. In Kenya, it has built several of these “mega projects”. While their economic viability remains to be seen, debates on the risks and benefits of Chinese investments and public debt are in full swing. 2022 is not only an important election year in Kenya but also a peak period of debt repayments. In this political climate, Chinese mega projects are either portrayed as symbols of independence and modernity, manifestations of usurpation, or colossal losing deals.
doi:10.18449/2022MTA-PB04
