By Betty Luke
Gender equality has been identified as a key pillar in a new initiative by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) aimed at curbing hate speech ahead of campaign period.
The initiative, being implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), targets both online and offline spaces where harmful narratives are mostly prevalent.
It focuses on promoting social cohesion while addressing hate speech and dangerous speech that often intensify during political campaigns and disproportionately affect women and marginalized groups.
NCIC Deputy Director of Corporate Communication Olive Metet said gender equality was a central consideration in the programme, noting that women are frequently targeted through ethnic, religious and political attacks online.
Metet said the commission is relying on a social media monitoring guideline and a 2025 gender analysis report to guide sensitization efforts in counties with a history of digital hate speech.
“The guidelines are meant to ensure responsible use of social media in counties that have previously experienced cases of online hate speech,” she said.
Metet noted that NCIC is also addressing emerging threats, including the misuse of artificial intelligence by youths to generate or spread hateful and misleading content.
The report lists politicians, community elders, religious leaders, opinion shapers, youths and social media influencers among those behind amplification of divisive narratives that increase exclusion and the risk of violence.
The campaign targets youths, bloggers, women and journalists working with vernacular radio stations in Nairobi, Laikipia, Kisumu, Busia, Isiolo, Marsabit, Taita Taveta, Samburu and Kilifi counties.
Isiolo County Peace and Cohesion Chief Officer Barnabas Esunyen hailed the initiative, describing peace and cohesion as essential foundations for sustainable development.
Youth leader Wanjiru Mburu, a participant in the Isiolo town sensitization forum, welcomed the initiative as timely, saying many young people lack awareness of social media use and could unknowingly land in trouble with the law.
