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The United States embassy in Nairobi through ambassador Robert Godec has launched a campaign against the spread of fake news in Kenya.
Under the hash tag #StopReflectVerify, the US has collaborated with Kenyan organisations and activists to counter the spread of disinformation. The campaign will make use of educational videos and internet posts to promote “media literacy.”
“Fake news is undermining confidence in news media in Kenya,” a State Department official said on Monday.
“A free and strong media is necessary for a strong democracy.”
Public affairs officials in all the 47 counties will also be educated on the need to be more responsive to reporters seeking to fact-check claims.
Last year's presidential election campaigns were marred by massive spread of false news through social media platforms.
The #StopReflectVerify project will mobilise the 47,000 Kenyans who are members of the Young African Leaders Initiative (Yali). Yali is seen as one of ex-President Barack Obama's most effective tool to apply US “soft power” in the African continent.
More than 10,000 African youths have taken part in seminars and other trainings in the US since Obama unveiled Yali in 2010.
In an interview with a local media, Godec stated: “Fake news is being weaponised. It’s undermining democracy in Kenya.”
Comments
What democracy?
The one you helped abort?
Eat your tomatoes in peace Amb.Bob Godec.
THE HOLY BIBLE IS THE ONLY TRUTH.
It is the most propanganda filled book of all time, full of tons of fairy stories.
Sounds like Godec is trying to sell America using Obama works in Kenya because America has fallen from grace with the shit hole countries. This has nothing to do with fake news in Kenya. It has everything to do with American companies descending on Kenya for major contracts and the need to improve public relations.
Kenya does not need an expert in fake news. We just need to promote local languages. That will eliminate 90 percent of imported fake news.
Cry out loud
Fake news is nothing but propaganda!!! "Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state" (Main Chomsky).
Fake news is the modern day version of propaganda which has been extensively used by the West throughout time as a weapon of war, to dehumanize and subjugate others as they elevate themselves. Look, at Trumps White house, they are choking in fake news, propaganda and innuendos. We ought to realize this is another diversionary tactic to create a need that will now require funds for training our people on fake news,funds that we have to borrow and entrench ourselves into more debt which means more money in their pocket- a benefit for them from fake news. If we have a fake news problem in Kenya, it's a Kenyan problem that will require a Kenyan solution not Washington's. Godec, Kenya's ambassador in Washington is disciplined and observes the decorum of protocal and does not run his mouth on American domestic issues even when there is mass school shootings. Why then are you always interfering with our domestic issues. Be a gentleman and close your mouth.