Ever heard about Fake news and how fast they spread?  Fake news is always a norm in Kenya especially this period towards general elections. This year, Kenya will lead to polls on 9th August to elect new leadership. As general elections draw near, Fake News and political misinformation are becoming a major problem.  Fake News Machinery always hold Kenya’s general election as a hostage. For instance, Voters intentionally spread fake news via social media. This ultimately undermines Kenya’s democracy in the process. Some wonder whether this election will be different. Journalists are working to protect Kenya’s information infrastructure. Political parties use Social media influencers to spearhead spread of  Fake news.

The use of social media has become spread in Kenya. For instance, there are over 21 million internet users in Kenya with internet penetration of about 40 percent. Also, about 61% of the nation’s population is 24 years old hence a demographic that is active on social media. Facebook and WhatsApp rank high in active users. Besides that, twitter continues to be primary news and information trendsetter. As a result, it is becoming ground zero of the news flourishing disinformation industry. This article therefore presents to you some of the fake news that have been on public domain concerning various organizations and corporations. Moreover, it gives you tips on how to easily identify the perceived fake news.

How do you identify fake news?

Are you tired of seeing news that are fake? Sometimes you face dilemmas in knowing what to trust or whom to trust. Here is some guide in terms of sorting out facts as well as weighing out information. Also, being knowledgeable both online and offline.

Check the Source to identify whether it is fake news.

When you come across an article that cites sources, it is advisable that you go and check the sources out. Keep in mind that sometimes some organizations that sound to be official, tend to represent a fridge view of large number of people. Likewise, if you cannot find the source, you can read more about the information that is spread out. It enables you to decide for yourself whether the information is true or otherwise.

Check the author to identify if the news is fake.

As a reader, take your time to identify the credentials of the author. Check if the author has some specialty in the field they are writing about. Go ahead and check the LinkedIn. Do some little google check to see if the author has some authority about the accuracy of the information.

Concentrate on the bias side.

Putting your attention at the bias point of view will enable you to ascertain facts about the news. Some information tends to lean towards one point of view hence ignoring to give the whole story. In addition, focus on the sensational part. That information that is sensational, you should doubt about it. Sometimes, headlines use more of emotional language hence an exaggerate.

What are some of the emerging Fake News as we near elections ?

Fake News purporting to be Safaricom’s response to Rigathi Gachagua.

Fake News in form of a statement emerged on the Social Media platform purporting to be Safaricom’s response. The statement condemned Gachagua’s utterance to Safaricom following the Kenya Kwanza’s running mate interview  on Inooro TV. Later, the telecommunication giant came out and disowned the information. Consequently, the company said that it shares its official communication through its official Social-Media Channels

Rigathi Gachagua had demonstrated how big firms like Safaricom and Kenya Airways are worthy selling . He also added by saying how that money will be in the possession of small firms. ‘’Being corporate companies like Safaricom to be sold and process given to the small firms.’’ Speaking in Inooro TV, Rigathi explained how small businesses stand a better chance of paying more taxes that few corporate entities. He asked questions on the reasons for having major tax -paying companies like Safaricom and Kenya Airways [KQ]. He therefore recommended to sell them and give money to small businesses

Igathe’s appointment as CEO Rubis Energy.

Fake news recently emerged indicating that Polycarp Igathe was to take over as the Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of Rubis Energy Kenya. This was due to the alleged deportation of Jean- Christian Bergeron to France. Rubis  later  denied that statement concerning  Bergeron’s  deportation. The company maintained that Bergeron had travelled to France to brief the head office on the ongoing fuel crisis in Kenya. The NTV which is owed by the Nation Media Group [NMG] later confirmed that the widely circulating image featuring a news -bite on Igathe’s appointment was fake.

Kenya Airways Recruitment.

Fake News emerged that the Kenya Airways was in the process of recruiting toll attendants, clerks, and some cleaners. Fact -Checker identified that the notice was fake and the motive behind it was to target unsuspecting Kenyans who are looking for jobs with the aim of conning them. Kenya Airways [KQ] distanced itself from the advertisement that was being spread on the Social -media purporting that it was hiring.

In a post on Twitter, the National Air-line asked Kenyans to ignore the notice. Furthermore, it termed the advert as fake. Therefore, Kenya Airways, asked members not to be conned. KQ added that all the available vacancies are always on their official channels including official LinkedIn Channel.

Fake News from USIU concerning Senator Malala’s academic records

A letter ,which United States International University [USIU] claims to be fake ,emerged concerning Senator Malala’s academic records .The Press-statement which was thought to be USIU’s response to Malala’s degree  was fake. The fake statement stated that Malala does not have or hold any academic document from the university. The Kakamega senator has been on the public debate whether he has valid academic credentials .

This is also political in nature since were are almost close to the general elections. Therefore, the doubt concerning the credible academic credentials was a way to deter him to vie for Kakamega gubernatorial seat .Later on ,USIU came and verified how fake the letter was .In addition ,the Institution clarified that it posts its information on its Social -media handles .

 

Have you recently come across any fake news, share with us how you identified it …