Social Media Overtakes Traditional Media as Kenya’s Leading News Source

Social media platforms have become the primary source of news for many people in Kenya, overtaking traditional outlets such as television, radio and newspapers.

This shift reflects a wider global pattern, as audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms for timely and easily accessible information. According to the DataReportal Digital 2026 Mid-Year Global Update Report, nearly one-third of internet users worldwide now rely mainly on social media for news. 

In Kenya, where internet usage has exceeded 26 million people, mobile access has accelerated this change and reshaped how news is consumed. A similar trend is evident in other countries. 

Research from the Reuters Institute indicates that in the United States, more than half of audiences now get their news through social platforms, surpassing television for the first time. Ten years ago, television dominated, with over 70 per cent of viewers relying on scheduled broadcasts. That balance has since shifted towards digital sources.

In Kenya, the speed of online platforms is particularly evident. Reports of road accidents, political developments and weather updates often appear first on social media before reaching traditional broadcasters. 

Independent creators and digital-first publishers have attracted large audiences by producing short videos, live streams and simplified reports that appeal to younger users. Their content combines information with entertainment, making it easy to share.

Globally, more than 6.1 billion people are now online, representing nearly three-quarters of the world’s population. Users spend over two hours each day on social media, where algorithms present a continuous mix of news, entertainment and personal content. As a result, people often encounter news without actively searching for it.

Video content plays a central role in this shift. Short, visually engaging clips are widely consumed, especially on mobile devices. Social platforms also allow users to interact with content by commenting, sharing and reacting in real time, which distinguishes them from traditional media formats.

However, the growth of user-generated content has introduced challenges. The need to publish quickly can affect accuracy, increasing the risk of misinformation during breaking news events. Unverified reports may spread widely before corrections are made, highlighting the importance of stronger verification practices online.

Despite these concerns, the expansion of social media as a news source continues. The number of global social media users has grown from just over two billion in 2015 to nearly 5.8 billion in 2026, reinforcing the role of these platforms in information distribution.