MIL: Youth Drive Digital Peace Amid Online Threats Ahead of 2027 Elections
Co-chair of the coalition Christine Odera (Right End standing, white top), Kechula Sharon from FeComo (Centre in Pink attire) together with 15 youth led organization pose for a photo on its final day holding an award certificates of participation during MIL Boot camp held in Nairobi.
With misinformation, divisive content, and online risks on the rise, a three-day Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Boot camp brought together young innovators to equip communities with skills to navigate the digital space responsibly.
UNESCO, in partnership with the Kenya Coalition on Youth Peace and Security (KCYPS) and the National Coalition on Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation (FeCoMo), with funding from the European Union, held a training on 3rd -5th December 2025 aimed at promoting safe, informed, and inclusive digital engagement among young people in Kenya.
The initiative, organized alongside youth-led organizations, focused on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills on Media Information Literacy (MIL) that would help the young people on how to use social media and other digital platforms responsibly while advancing peacebuilding, protecting freedom of expression, and fostering meaningful youth participation online.
The boot camp focused on helping youth identify and counter misinformation, disinformation, and harmful online narratives.
Training of youths video during MIL initiative , Also Watch ;https://x.com/i/status/2011321432526254161
Participants explored how digital platforms can become spaces for dialogue, understanding, and community cohesion, making young people active agents in shaping peaceful online environments.
“The online space is changing rapidly, and young people are at the forefront of both its risks and opportunities,” said one of the trainers. “This boot camp empowers youth to respond to the surge of misinformation and harmful content, and also to play a critical role in ensuring that the upcoming 2027 elections are conducted in a safe, informed, and peaceful digital environment.”
To achieve this, the fifteen youth led organizations who participated, translated the skills and knowledge gained from the boot camp into concrete, innovative projects designed to address online challenges, promote inclusion, and empower communities.
Among the organizations was NESWLIGHTKENYA an online news digital platform who introduced VERO, an anonymous chatbot designed to provide instant verified facts to counter misinformation. Manyatta Africa presented ANIKA Digital Shield, a multilingual initiative using podcasts, theatre, and infographics to counter narratives of violence and extremism in coastal communities.
Sky Deaf Group developed an inclusive MIL curriculum and youth-led digital content tailored for Deaf communities. UPVER proposed student-driven fact-checking drives and TikTok counter-narratives to engage youth online, while Northern Vision CBO launched Borana-language WhatsApp trackers and school MIL clubs to strengthen access to reliable information in Isiolo among others.
Other projects focused on promoting mental health, training peer educators, and using community dialogues to encourage responsible online engagement.
Kenya’s online space is increasingly recognized as a critical front for peacebuilding. Authorities have warned that unverified information, hate speech, and harmful content can escalate tensions, particularly during key civic periods such as elections.
Media and Information Literacy, including critical thinking, content verification, and responsible engagement, is now a key tool to build community resilience and protect democratic processes.
During Certification and Awarding Ceremony
The Fifteen youth-led teams pitched their projects, ranging from AI-driven fact-checking tools to community-based digital clubs, competing for a USD 2,500 prize and recognition for scalable impact as well as receiving a Certificate of Participation.
Each team answered judges’ questions on feasibility, partnerships, and long-term implementation, showing how their initiatives could strengthen peace and inclusion in everyday digital life and during the upcoming elections.
After an inspiring round of 3-minute pitches, the winners were announced. Sky Deaf Group was recognized for their transformative work in developing a Deaf MIL curriculum, youth-led accessible digital content, and inclusive training through the KSLA digital hub.
On the other hand, Smart Move Community won for a powerful MIL strategy combining land rights education, community dialogues, cultural storytelling, and digital literacy initiatives to counter misinformation.
By preparing youth to respond to online threats and engage responsibly, especially ahead of the 2027 elections, initiatives like this show how media literacy can turn young people into guardians of digital peace, strengthening both democracy and community resilient
