The internet, data, and AI have transformed the way activism and advocacy is conducted in Kenya and around the world. With the click of a button, individuals and groups can connect, share information, and mobilize for a cause. The rise of online political engagement has been a game-changer in shaping political discourse in Kenya, from the ability to hold government officials accountable through social media movements to the use of data to identify and target key issues, amplify marginalized voices and measure impact. Artificial Intelligence is also on the rise and is revolutionizing activism by providing new ways to analyse data, automate tasks, and improve communication between activists. The use of AI-powered chatbots for example can help activists to reach and mobilize large numbers of people with personalized information and support. The power of technology has enabled activists and advocacy groups to make a greater impact, more efficiently and effectively.
In my doctoral research on digital activism in Kenya, I investigated the motivations and dynamics behind the use of digital media for political change. This dissertation provided a comprehensive analysis of digital activism in Kenya, drawing on different scholarly traditions in media studies, political science, and sociology to offer a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The research aimed to contribute to ongoing debates on the evolution of the media in Africa and its impact on politics, offering a theoretically rich and empirically grounded perspective.
In the current era, data has become increasingly important in activism as it allows activists to understand and address the issues they are advocating for in a more informed and effective way. Recent studies on data activism and social change have shown that data can be used to:
- Monitor and report human rights abuses:
Monitoring and reporting human rights abuses is a crucial aspect of activism and advocacy in Kenya and around the world. With the use of technology, activists can use data to identify and document instances of police brutality, political repression, and other forms of human rights violations. This information can then be used to hold those responsible accountable and to raise awareness of the issue among the public and policymakers.
In Kenya, civil society organizations and grassroots activists have been using technology to document human rights abuses and to advocate for change. For example, human rights activists have been using social media platforms to document and report police brutality, sharing photos and videos of incidents and calling for accountability. Additionally, organizations such as Haki Africa and Mathare Social Justice Centre use data to track and report on extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and other forms of human rights violations in Kenya.
The use of technology in human rights monitoring and reporting has also enabled activists to bypass traditional gatekeepers of information, such as the government and mainstream media. By sharing information directly with the public through social media and other digital platforms, activists can circumvent censorship and ensure that their message reaches a wide audience.
However, monitoring and reporting human rights abuses through technology also comes with its own set of challenges, such as lack of privacy, security and the need for verification of the information. Activists and organizations must ensure that they are using technology in a safe and responsible manner, and be aware of the risks associated with collecting, storing and sharing sensitive information. Overall, the use of technology in monitoring and reporting human rights abuses in Kenya has the potential to play a significant role in promoting transparency, accountability and justice.
- Identify and target key issues:
Identifying and targeting key issues is a crucial aspect of activism and advocacy in Kenya, and data plays a vital role in this process. With the use of technology, activists can collect, analyze and use data to identify patterns, trends and areas of concern. This information can then be used to target their advocacy efforts in a more strategic and effective manner.
In Kenya, civil society organizations and grassroots activists have been using data to identify key issues and to guide their advocacy efforts. For example, organizations such as the Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG) use data to investigate and expose corruption in government institutions, while groups such as the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) use data to monitor and report on human rights abuses.
Technology also enables activists to reach and engage with specific target groups, such as marginalized communities, and tailor their messaging and campaigns accordingly. For example, using data analytics, activists can identify and target specific regions or demographic groups that are disproportionately affected by a particular issue and create campaigns that are tailored to the specific needs and concerns of that group.
Data-driven activism can be challenging, however. Activists must ensure that they are using data ethically and responsibly, and be aware of the risks associated with collecting, storing and sharing sensitive information. Additionally, they must have the skills and capacity to analyze and interpret data, and also to communicate effectively and compellingly to the targeted audience.
- Amplify marginalized voices:
Amplifying the voices of marginalized communities is a crucial aspect of activism and advocacy in Kenya, and data plays a vital role in this process. With the use of technology, activists can use data to identify and highlight the perspectives and experiences of marginalized groups, and to ensure that their voices are represented in the political discourse.
In Kenya, civil society organizations and grassroots activists have been using technology to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. For example, organizations such as the Kenya Community Support Centre (KCSC) use data to document and report on the experiences of marginalized groups, such as refugees and people with disabilities. Additionally, groups such as the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (NCHRD-K) use data to monitor and report on human rights abuses affecting marginalized communities.
Technology also enables activists to reach and engage with marginalized communities directly, bypassing traditional gatekeepers of information. For example, using social media platforms, activists can create online spaces where marginalized communities can share their stories and experiences, and participate in political discourse.
However, activists must ensure that they are using data ethically and responsibly, and be aware of the risks associated with collecting, storing and sharing sensitive information. Additionally, they must work with marginalized communities to ensure that their perspectives and experiences are accurately and respectfully represented in the political discourse.
- Measure impact:
Measuring the impact of advocacy efforts is a crucial aspect of activism and advocacy in Kenya, and data plays a vital role in this process. With the use of technology, activists can use data to track and measure the progress of their campaigns, and to identify areas where adjustments are needed. This information can then be used to improve their advocacy efforts and to ensure that they are having the desired impact.
In Kenya, civil society organizations and grassroots activists have been using technology to measure the impact of their advocacy efforts. For example, organizations such as the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) use data to track and measure the impact of their human rights campaigns, and to identify areas where adjustments are needed. Additionally, groups such as the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) use data to track and measure the impact of their campaigns for affordable housing and to identify areas where adjustments are needed.
Technology also enables activists to engage with their target audiences and to gather feedback on the effectiveness of their campaigns. For example, using social media platforms, activists can conduct surveys, collect feedback and gauge the engagement of their target audience with their campaigns.
However, measuring the impact of advocacy efforts through data also comes with some challenges. Activists must ensure that they are using data ethically and responsibly, and be aware of the risks associated with collecting, storing and sharing sensitive information. Additionally, they must have the skills and capacity to analyze and interpret data, and also to communicate effectively and compellingly to the targeted audience.
Further, It’s also important to note that data can be used to suppress dissent and control the narrative. Governments have a responsibility to protect the rights and privacy of their citizens while also ensuring that the internet remains a platform for free expression and democratic engagement.
To address these concerns, governments can take a number of steps to protect the rights and privacy of their citizens while also ensuring that the internet remains a platform for free expression and democratic engagement. This includes:
- Enforcing data protection laws: Governments can implement laws that protect citizens’ personal data and ensure that it is not misused.
- Promoting media literacy: By educating citizens on how to critically consume and evaluate information, governments can help combat the spread of misinformation and propaganda.
- Encouraging transparency and accountability: Governments can promote transparency and accountability by making information readily available to the public and by holding public officials accountable for their actions.
- Supporting civil society: Governments can support the work of civil society organizations that promote human rights and good governance.
In conclusion, the internet, data, and AI have greatly impacted activism and advocacy in Kenya and around the world. My research has shown that online social movements in Kenya have provided a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and have played a critical role in holding government officials accountable. Data has become increasingly important in activism as it allows activists to understand and address the issues they are advocating for in a more informed and effective way. However, data can also be used to suppress dissent and control the narrative. Governments have a responsibility to protect the rights and privacy of their citizens while also ensuring that the internet remains a platform for free expression and democratic engagement. By enforcing data protection laws, promoting media literacy, encouraging transparency and accountability, and supporting civil society, governments can help create a more equitable and just society.