Govt Asked To Regulate Social Media Platforms
Atwoli urged the public to dial down on toxic criticism, warning that unchecked online behavior could scare off potential investors.
Marvin Chege 
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called for tighter regulation of social media in Kenya to curb its growing misuse.
Speaking at the COTU Shop Stewards Meeting on Saturday, April 5, Atwoli urged the public to dial down on toxic criticism, warning that unchecked online behavior could scare off potential investors.
“Kenya is a satellite of economic activities in the region. Even if we make noise, our friends in Uganda and Tanzania want Kenya a lot because of the communication systems we have. It is here that we have banks and every pathway.
"Were it not for our social media people. Those on social media will have to stop propaganda, you must love this country. If you don't love it, investors will relocate. If not, you'll start fighting each other," he said.
President William Ruto with COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli during the 58th Labour Day Celebration at Uhuru Gardens on May 1, 2023. /PCS
He also pointed out that the spread of fake news and propaganda on social platforms could spark unrest, drawing parallels to violent conflicts seen in countries like the DRC, Somalia, and South Sudan.
"When you start fighting each other, we will become like Sudan and DR Congo. In Congo, right now, you cannot even go to Goma or other countries engaged in war. In Somalia, they have never had something called a well-organised government.
"In South Sudan, even the deputy president has been put under house arrest. We do not want to take that route, and the social media people are leading us there. You know this means we cannot live like this. It'll force us to ask the government to regulate social media," he added.
While pushing for stricter control of digital platforms, Atwoli urged President William Ruto’s government to take a page from countries like China, which currently regulates apps like TikTok and WhatsApp.
He specifically raised concerns about TikTok, pointing to its misuse, particularly by minors, who he claimed are gaining illegal access to the platform and being exposed to inappropriate content.
"You open TikTok sometimes, and you find little children know how to access TikTok. When you see what happens on TikTok, I don't know if I'm the only one.
"You find an old woman coming from the bedroom and lying to herself that her husband has delayed getting into the bedroom, and she appears the way she was born, and a child is watching something like that. Social media must be regulated. That one, I have to tell you the truth," he concluded.
Atwoli’s remarks echo those of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji, who recently warned the public about the dangers of misusing social media, calling it a major threat to both national and regional security.
Speaking at the Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Naivasha, Nakuru County on Thursday, April 3, Haji expressed concern that the growing misuse of social media could destabilize the country and trigger unrest.
He stressed that while freedom of speech is a key pillar of Kenya’s democracy, there must be a balance between that freedom and protecting national security.
“Across the continent, we have seen a considerable increase in the use of social media platforms for advocacy and mobilization for civil actions. However, this has led to the emergence of coordinated and sustained misinformation and disinformation,” Haji stated.
“The misinformation and disinformation are aimed at misguiding citizens, leading them to make poor decisions and shaping their perceptions of their governments."
