President William Ruto has urged Kenyans living abroad to be cautious about relying solely on social media for updates from home, warning that online platforms are increasingly filled with misinformation, fake news and manipulated content.
Speaking during a meeting with Kenyans in Itally on Monday evening, the Head of State emphasised the need to verify information, noting that some narratives are deliberately distorted for political and selfish interests.
“If you go to social media today, you'll think there is nothing good happening in Kenya. I ask you not to rely on social media for news about home,” he said.
Ruto, who is on a two-day official visit to Italy, said he was concerned about what he termed coordinated efforts to mislead the public for political gain.
He, however, assured the diaspora that the government’s plan to transform Kenya into a first-world economy remains on track despite criticism from some quarters.
“My focus is not about the next General Election. I am focused on transforming Kenya,” he said.
On diaspora affairs, the President said the creation of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs was aimed at addressing the needs and challenges facing Kenyans abroad. He added that government efforts have helped facilitate employment for more than 540,000 Kenyans overseas.
He also pointed to ongoing reforms in the recruitment sector, saying more than 600 rogue agencies have been shut down to protect job seekers from exploitation. He further noted that Kenya has signed bilateral labour agreements with Germany, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the United Kingdom to safeguard workers’ rights and improve working conditions.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing diaspora concerns, while James Mwangi encouraged Kenyans abroad to invest back home to support economic growth.
Also present were Investment and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary John Mugaa, several Principal Secretaries, and Kenya’s Ambassador to Italy Fredrick Matwang'a.