KEPSA Foundation in Partnership with the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) held a roundtable on Combatting Disinformation in the Private Sector on 29^th November 2022 at Serena Hotel in Nairobi. The roundtable aimed at presenting the findings of a survey on 'Countering disinformation in the Kenyan Private Sector' undertaken by CIPE, and identifying meaningful ways different stakeholders can respond to disinformation.

The meeting was attended by Ms Gloria Ndekei, Executive Director, KEPSA Foundation; Mr Mucai Kunyiha, KEPSA Director, Industrialization & Local Investments; Ms Annette Kimitei, Chair, KEPSA Security Sector Board; Mr Cosmas Mutava, Vice-Chair, KEPSA Security Sector Board; Mr Ben Kiragu, CIPE Country Director; Ms Rachel Muthoga, CIPE Advocacy Consultant; Mr Patrick Wandare, KEPSA Legal/CIPE Project Officer; Mr Mike Omondi, CIPE Consultant/Clerk Master Consulting among other key players drawn from across different sectors.

Highlights from the research presentation on disinformation

The presentation of the research by Clerk Master Consulting highlighted the following: the foundation of disinformation within the local context; the impact of disinformation on business tangibly (monetary value, risks presented, field data, experiences etc.); benchmarks for addressing disinformation; cultural shifts in consumption of news; social media and its role in advancing disinformation; the role of mainstream media in curbing disinformation; potential pitfalls if disinformation is not addressed; inadequacy of legal instruments on disinformation; possible pursuit of global collaborations and partnerships in identified gap areas; compliance codes for staff, companies and declarations for intermediary platforms and capacity building initiatives for stakeholders.

Feedback from Participants

1. Legal Review and Reform

There is a clear need for legal review to understand the impact of existing laws and for proposals in areas where new laws are to be developed including the Data Protection Act, 2019 and Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018 to understand the extent to which these pieces of legislation protect the freedom of expression and address or curb disinformation.

2.  Multi-sectoral Approach needed

The research shows that most private sector actors lack a proper understanding of the issue and its impact. There is a need to educate the private sector, lawmakers, media and other actors in this area.

3. A Fact-checking Platform is Needed

A centralized location – a one-stop shop where people who need to confirm data or information they may have received will help to counter disinformation.

4. Finalization of the Research

The research will be finalized with the input of the participants at the roundtable and presented to KEPSA and other partners for implementation. This will include educating the private sector, engagement with key bodies including the Media Complaints Commission amongst others and the creation of a knowledge hub.