Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UNESCO published a research report titled Behind the Screens in Kenya: Perspectives, Practices, and Challenges of Digital Content Creators, based on data from 426 stakeholders nationwide, including surveys of 380 digital creators and interviews with 46 others. The study was conducted by the Africa Centre for People Institutions and Society (ACEPIS) with support from UNESCO's Social Media 4 Peace project.
The report shows that 58% of Kenyan consumers regularly follow digital creators and influencers on social and video networks, compared to 34% who follow traditional news brands and journalists. Despite their influence on public discourse, most creators face significant gaps: 87.1% have not received Media and Information Literacy (MIL) training, and 56.3% lack a journalism background.
Additionally, 76.6% of creators are unaware of the limits and responsibilities tied to freedom of expression. Many lack knowledge of national laws; 68.9% are unfamiliar with defamation and copyright legislation. Fact-checking is inconsistent, with 37.1% not systematically verifying information in their posts. Among those producing sponsored content, 46.1% do not disclose paid advertising, and 36.8% fail to reveal the use of Generative AI to their audiences.
In terms of safety, 52.9% of creators have experienced hate speech, discrimination, or harassment based on their identity. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is reported by or witnessed among 79.2% of creators. Half (50.5%) have faced physical violence linked to online threats or attacks.