Summary
- Youths have been urged to use social media as a tool for economic empowerment, not just entertainment.
- The call was made during a modelling night at Mama Ngina University in Gatundu South.
- Speakers highlighted content creation, branding and digital entrepreneurship as viable income paths for young people.
GATUNDU SOUTH, Kenya – Young people have been challenged to rethink how they use social media — not as a place for likes and comments, but as a platform for building real income and long-term livelihoods.
The message was delivered during a modelling night at Mama Ngina University, held in Mutomo village, Gatundu South, marking the climax of a week-long cultural festival.
From Scrolling to Strategy
Speakers at the event said the rapid growth of digital platforms has opened up unprecedented economic opportunities for the youth, especially through platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
They urged young people to move beyond using social media purely for entertainment and instead treat it as a space for creativity, branding, marketing and entrepreneurship.
According to the speakers, social media has increasingly become a source of employment, particularly after Facebook rolled out monetisation opportunities for Kenyan content creators.
Digital Platforms as Income Engines
Beyond direct monetisation, participants were encouraged to view social media as a powerful advertising tool — one that allows creators to market products, promote services and partner with businesses for paid campaigns.
Stakeholders noted that this shift has transformed digital platforms into economic engines, especially for young people who lack access to formal employment opportunities.
Skills, Culture and the Digital Economy
Students at the university echoed the call, urging their peers to invest time in developing marketable skills such as modelling, photography, videography, fashion and digital storytelling.
They said consistency, discipline and responsible use of social media could help young creators reach wider audiences, attract business opportunities and improve their standards of living.
The event also showcased the role of culture and creativity in the digital age, with students displaying their talents as part of the university’s cultural activities.
Organisers said blending culture with technology offers young people a unique opportunity to preserve heritage while tapping into modern, income-generating platforms.
