Kenyans spend over four hours on social media daily, ranks top globally-Ruto

President William Ruto has said Kenya is the world's leading country in social media use, urging citizens to harness digital platforms responsibly and avoid content that fuels division and insecurity.

Ruto said Kenyans spend an average of more than four hours daily on social media, underscoring the growing influence of digital platforms on public discourse and national life.

"Kenya, for your information, is number one in the whole world in the use of social media," Ruto said.

"It is said that every Kenyan, or on average, Kenyans spend four hours and a few minutes every day. You know what is in that social media story. But even with all that, we are still surging forward. We are still moving forward."

He spoke Tuesday when he received the report on “Developing a New Vision for Kenya: Strategic Guidelines for Long-Term National Transformation”.

The President said the widespread use of social media should encourage greater responsibility among users, particularly on issues affecting national unity, security and development.

He linked the conversation to the need to protect the country from instability, saying peace remains essential for Kenya's progress.

"It is very important for us to think about the education of our country and the security of our country," he said.

Ruto pointed to the conflict in Sudan as a reminder of how quickly countries can lose decades of development when insecurity takes root.

"Khartoum was a beautiful city three years ago. Today they have destroyed their country while the rest of the world is moving on," he said.

The President also reiterated his administration's position that while peaceful demonstrations are protected by the Constitution, criminal acts committed during protests should not be tolerated.

He said there could be no justification for looting, destruction of property or attacks on businesses.

"There cannot be any defence for criminality. There cannot be any defence for breaking the law," he said.

Ruto added that security agencies should continue enforcing the law while respecting constitutional rights.

Kenyans are among Africa's most active social media users, relying on platforms such as X, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp for news, political engagement, business, entertainment and social interaction.

Social media has become a powerful tool for civic mobilisation, public participation and holding leaders to account, but it has also increasingly been associated with the spread of misinformation, hate speech and coordinated disinformation campaigns, particularly during politically charged periods.

The President said the country should focus on using technology to advance development rather than deepen divisions

Now that we have a consensus, our security agencies must do their job within the law. They must stop criminality. That is how we are going to secure Kenya's future," he said.

His remarks come amid growing debate over the role of social media in shaping political discourse, organising demonstrations and influencing public opinion as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.