Effects of Social Media on Security-Agenda Setting in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Social Media (SM), its reach, impact, and potential in a globalized world are no longer contested; it has affected people’s lives, regarding its use and misuse. Groups of gangsters, terrorist associations, non-state actors with bad intentions and rebellious including Gaza, Al-Shabaab, routinely utilize social media websites like Facebook, Twitter Instagram, and WhatsApp to disseminate propaganda, recruit and inspire their sympathizers as well as instill fear in the members of the public and claim their terrorist attacks. This study aimed to identify the effects of social media on security agenda setting to introducing new technologies for use by the security agents to enhance and improve security. It was informed by Agenda-setting Theory and Technological determinism to help see how technology has affected human activity and thought. The study was conducted in Nairobi City County on social media users and security agents. The researcher used a descriptive research plan. The validity test was conducted through a pilot study and specialists’ judgment and reliability through test-retest strategy. The data was gathered using semi-organized surveys and analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative information was examined through descriptive statistics which incorporates; frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation among others. Qualitative information was be analyzed using themes. The findings show that social media has a significant influence on security agenda setting in Nairobi City County. Different social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and WhatsApp play a significant role in the spread of information and fight against crime in Nairobi County. They help in mobilization, data gathering, and analysis. Their contribution is affirmed by inferential analysis outcome, which shows that both dependent and independent variables are positively and significantly related. The study recommends the DCI’s office, through the ICT ministry, County government, and National government to reduce chances of youth recruitment by criminal organizations via social media by using different platforms, such as Facebook to learn much about gang affiliations and identify whether their comments or pictures shared are meant to attract or convince unsuspecting people. A similar approach can be applied by law enforcers within Nairobi County to reduce cases of youth recruitment through social media by criminal organizations. The government is also recommended to prevent such social media mobilization that spreads false information by enforcing criminal sanctions and hefty penalties for any offenses or suspected spread of information that can trigger insecurity within the scope area.