Kikasha: Harbinger of a New Era in Africa?

Is the recent release of Kikasha, a social media governance platform developed in Kenya, a harbinger of a possible new trajectory in the use of social media in Africa?

To understand why this might be a possibility, it is important to bear in mind that in an era characterized by the pervasive influence of social media, the concept of surveillance capitalism has come to the forefront, raising concerns about data privacy and exploitation.

As global tech giants continue to dominate the African social media landscape, Africans may now be recognizing the urgency of developing their own platforms to safeguard their interests. The truth of the matter is that surveillance capitalism poses serious perils to the continent.

Surveillance capitalism refers to the business model adopted by many tech companies, where user data is commodified, collected, and exploited for targeted advertising, behavioral manipulation, and profit maximization.

This model raises ethical concerns as it compromises individual privacy, fosters addictive online behavior, and exacerbates societal inequalities. Africans, like people worldwide, find themselves vulnerable to these perils as they engage with mainstream social media platforms.

Developing their own independent social media platforms will allow Africans to assert control over their digital sovereignty. By establishing platforms that respect user privacy and data protection, African nations can reduce their dependence on foreign companies that often have divergent interests. Empowering African developers and entrepreneurs to build their own platforms ensures that technological innovations align with the continent's unique cultural, social, and economic realities.

It is important to emphasize that data privacy is a fundamental human right. This fact notwithstanding, however, many global social media platforms have been embroiled in scandals involving data breaches and misuse. African users are not exempt from such risks.

By cultivating local alternatives, Africans can mitigate the potential for data exploitation and regain control over their personal information. Independent platforms can prioritize robust data protection measures, transparency, and consent-driven data practices, instilling confidence in users that their privacy is being safeguarded.

Moreover, the dominance of global social media platforms often results in economic leakage, as profits generated from African users' data flow out of the continent. Developing local platforms enables Africans to retain economic benefits within their own communities.

By nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of African tech startups and supporting local developers, social media platforms can become engines of economic growth, job creation, and skill development. Moreover, localized platforms can better cater to the unique needs and aspirations of African users, fostering a sense of inclusion and empowerment.

Additionally, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural narratives and identities. However, dominant platforms often prioritize Western perspectives and fail to adequately represent Africa's diverse cultures, languages, and experiences.

By establishing homegrown social media platforms, Africans can showcase and celebrate their rich heritage, empowering individuals to reclaim their narratives and challenge one-dimensional portrayals. These platforms can foster a sense of community, solidarity, and collective pride in African achievements.

The release of Kikasha in Kenya is therefore a significant pointer to the possibility of African nations beginning to develop their own social media platforms to enable them to preserve their digital sovereignty, protect user data, promote economic empowerment, and amplify their diverse cultural narratives.

Kikasha, a governance app dedicated to promoting good governance and citizen-centered leadership, offers tools that can also help people engage as they do on other platforms. Although in its infancy, there are promising prospects that the app will be widely embraced once African peoples become fully conscious of the perils of surveillance capitalism.