Patriciah Joseph, Katiba Institute’s Programmes Manager, speaking at today’s panel discussion on Promoting Information Integrity for Youth, underscored the critical role of constitutional literacy, media freedom, and youth engagement in strengthening democratic governance and accountability.

She referenced Kenya’s progressive Bill of Rights, noting that although the Constitution provides strong protections for freedom of expression and access to information, there remains a significant gap between constitutional ideals and their implementation in practice. According to Patriciah, Katiba Institute works to bridge this gap by empowering citizens, particularly young people, to understand, defend, and exercise their rights.

She emphasised that access to information remains a powerful accountability tool that enables citizens to participate meaningfully in governance. Through civic education and legal empowerment initiatives, Katiba Institute supports young people to engage critically with laws and policies, challenge non-progressive legislation, and participate effectively in public affairs.

“Our previous Constitution lacked a progressive Bill of Rights,” she said. “The current Constitution protects freedom of expression, and we have built on that foundation by equipping young people with the skills to monitor legislation through a constitutional lens. That capacity has been crucial in identifying and responding to laws that threaten the very freedoms the Constitution guarantees.”

Patriciah further highlighted the Katiba Institute’s role in protecting media freedom and challenging restrictions that limit public access to information. She noted that journalists and media institutions continue to face threats, including bans on live broadcasts, intimidation, restrictive laws, and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits), particularly when holding power to account.

“The duty to publish and provide information is still not being fully realised,” she said. “When the government bans coverage of issues, including live broadcasts of protests, it narrows the space for public knowledge and expression.”

She added that Katiba Institute also works to strengthen youth participation in governance by empowering young people to engage in public participation processes, question propaganda, and contribute to informed public discourse.

Other panelists also weighed in on the growing influence of technology and social media on information consumption among young people. They observed that many young people are increasingly turning to social media platforms for news and information due to the rapid growth of digital technology. However, they cautioned that the accessibility and speed of online content do not always guarantee accuracy.

Panelists noted that despite the rise of digital platforms, radio continues to play a critical role in information dissemination across Africa, particularly because of its accessibility and reach. They also highlighted the growing preference for short-form content, noting that current evidence shows audiences, especially young people, have shorter attention spans and consume information in quicker formats.

Concerns were also raised about the monetisation of misinformation and disinformation, with speakers noting that false information often spreads rapidly because sensational content attracts engagement and financial gain online. The panel emphasized that misinformation and disinformation travel fast, making fact-checking and verification increasingly important in today’s media environment.

A key message emerging from the discussion was the need to equip young people with the right tools and skills to critically assess information, verify facts, and responsibly engage in digital spaces. Panelists agreed that while technology continues to shape communication and public discourse, empowering youth with media literacy and civic knowledge remains essential in safeguarding information integrity.

#PanAfricanMediaSummit2026 #IDeserveToKnow