KFCB CEO Doctor Alfred Mutua. (Photo/Maxwell)
The Communication Authority of Kenya, CAK together with other security departments in charge of communication and cyber crimes have been asked to properly regulate the social media in the country.
The Kenya Film Classification Board, KFCB CEO Doctor Ezekiel Mutua said that the social media was used to propagate hatred, divisive politics, tribalism, and fake news.
Speaking in Mombasa after attending a roundtable media workshop on Thursday, Doctor Mutua said that he has been pushing for better regulations on social media and the government should move quickly in ensuring that activities through the social media are monitored.
Mutua said that the social media was relatively important to the national growth both democratically and economically if only it was used the right way.
He said that though some of those who have been propagating hatred, political, tribal divisions and maliciously damaging the reputation of individuals have been arrested and charged in court, the speed at which the actions were taken was very slow.
“Unlike in other countries where social media is very strong in breaking news, enlightening the society, spreading ideas for economic growth, in Kenya we use the platform to abuse others, for tribal hatred especially through Facebook and WhatsApp groups.
He said that apart from serious lawful actions against those propagating lies and propaganda through the social media, the CAK together with other state departments in charge of cyber crimes should initiate public awareness programmes on the importance of technology and development.
''If we all realize the value of social media in our country’s cohesion and development then we will also value the importance of technology in our lives,” added Doctor Mutua.
"He said KFCB was open to ideas from stakeholders on how to regulate the social media platform so that no hatred is transmitted through the important communication platform.