NAIROBI, Kenya — Social media has officially overtaken television and radio as Kenya’s leading source of news, marking a major shift in how young audiences consume information in the digital age.
A new report released by the Media Council of Kenya during the World Press Freedom Day 2026 commemoration at Strathmore University showed that more Kenyans now rely on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, X, YouTube, and WhatsApp for breaking news and public discussion.
According to the 2025 State of the Media Report, 39pc of Kenyans now get their news from social media platforms.
In comparison, 31pc rely on television, while 21pc depend on radio. Newspaper readership stood at just one pc.
The findings reflect rapidly changing media habits, especially among Gen Z audiences who increasingly prefer fast, mobile-friendly, and interactive content over traditional broadcasts.
Why Young Audiences Prefer Social Media
For many young Kenyans, speed is everything.
Videos from protests, football matches, celebrity controversies, and political events often appear online within minutes. By the time television stations air edited reports, conversations are already trending on social media.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X have become central spaces for breaking news, commentary, and debate.
The report also noted that daily television viewership continues to decline as more audiences shift to digital and mobile video platforms.
Beyond speed, many young users say social media content feels more relatable than traditional news bulletins.
Content creators on TikTok and YouTube often explain complex issues using humour, memes, slang, and short-form videos designed for younger audiences.
A recent report by The Guardian found that Kenyan digital creators are reshaping the country’s news ecosystem by presenting current affairs in more informal and conversational styles.
“When they watch us, it’s like they’re watching their cousin or sister,” one Kenyan creator told the publication.
Smartphones Driving the Shift
The widespread use of smartphones and affordable internet bundles has also accelerated the transformation of Kenya’s media landscape.
According to the Media Council report, WhatsApp and Facebook remain the most widely used sources of news in Kenya, followed by TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and X.
Social media platforms also played a central role during recent youth-led protests in Kenya, where Gen Z users relied on livestreams, online discussions, and instant updates to mobilise and share information in real time.
Concerns Over Fake News and AI Content
Despite the rapid growth of digital platforms, concerns over misinformation continue to rise.
The report revealed that 63 pc of Kenyans struggle to identify AI-generated content, raising fears over fake news, manipulated videos, and online propaganda.
Media experts speaking during the World Press Freedom Day event warned that while social media has expanded access to information, it has also increased the speed at which misleading content spreads.
Even so, analysts say the shift away from traditional television appears unlikely to slow down.
For many young Kenyans, social media is no longer just a platform for entertainment and trends. It is increasingly becoming the country’s main newsroom, political arena, and public square.
