This archive report was first published on 8 August 2020.
7 Times Kenyans' Uproar on Social Media Was a Force for Good ¶
Published on August 8, 2020
Kenya's social media landscape has been a breeding ground for both positive and negative change. While some have used it to spread hate and misinformation, others have leveraged it to bring about meaningful change in various sectors.
From politics to economy and social issues, Kenyans on social media have been instrumental in shaping public opinion and influencing decision-makers. Here are 7 times their uproar on social media was a force for good.
Pauline Njoroge's Appointment to Tourism Board
Pauline Njoroge's appointment as a board member of the Tourism Regulatory Authority sparked outrage on social media due to her past comments advocating for the development of residential areas in the Nairobi National Park. Following the uproar, Tourism CS revoked her appointment, stating that the Ministry was not aware of her past comments prior to her gazettement.
"I am revoking Pauline Njoroge's appointment as a board member of Tourism Regulatory Authority because we have just seen what she had tweeted in the past that Nairobi National Park was useless. We do not want to be associated with such people and such thinking," read an excerpt of the statement.
Artcaffe Competition
Popular restaurant chain, Artcaffe, came under fire from a section of Kenyans on social media after announcing rewards for an art competition that many viewed to be taking advantage of artists. Following the outrage, Artcaffe issued a statement announcing cash prizes for winners in its cup design competition.
Under the revised reward plan, the winning designer was expected to receive a Ksh100,000 cash prize or free daily coffee for a year. They would also be offered a paid internship with the Artcaffe design team for two months.
Mary Wambui's Appointment
Former Othaya MP Mary Wambui's appointment as chair of the National Employment Authority board sparked public debate in 2019. Her appointment was later suspended by the Employment and Labour Relations Court as infuriated Kenyans held the opinion that the 69-year-old ex-legislator was unqualified to have any meaningful impact on youth unemployment in Kenya.
Lucy Gatimu - Mama Fua
Lucy Gatimu, known as Mama Fua, was the beneficiary of the helpful act of Kenyans who banded together to help her cope with life's struggles after she was cyberbullied for asking for assistance to feed her children. To support the mother of two, Kenyans were urged to send money to her mobile money account with her number shared online.
Others invited her to their homes and offices to offer cleaning services. As she received multiple offers, she was able to fend for her family.
Alvan Gatitu
Kenyan internet star Alvan Gatitu was forced to sleep in the cold on Saturday night, July 4, after being locked out by his landlord - an experience he shared online. Upon his video going viral, Kenyans supported him by sending money to his M-Pesa and bank accounts.
After he was rescued, Alvan bought the watchman who offered him a place to sleep a motorbike to run a boda boda business.
Two Carpenters
Two carpenters based along Ngong Road designed a moving seat to act as a park bench when folded and a table seat when unfolded. In a previous interview, the duo told Kenyans.co.ke that they had gotten the idea to make the moving seats from the internet.
"Since the video was shared, we have received a number of offers to design them," they stated as they revealed plans to create social media pages where they could capitalize on the growing demand online.
