Kenyan Politicians, who is the social-savvy of them all?
We have here a list of politicians who have made very good use of Social Media in Kenya today. The effect of social media for citizen engagement can’t at this point be disputed but we still have to question the length at which social media applications and gadgets should be used for the political scene. Social media has so far worked for most of these politicians and to what use we will find out.
1) Uhuru Kenyatta
Uhuru Kenyatta certainly understands the role of social media in reaching and disseminating information to citizens and his supporters which is why he makes our number one social media user. His portfolio of social media usage doesn’t just stand for appearance but also engagement. His social media accounts are regularly updated with the most recent content and multi-media items which give a wide range of ways through which web users can access his domain of information. At a glance, it is possible to note that the Politician has not spared a coin in ensuring that he has the best implementation of the social media applications. His Facebook page is customized with interactive applications that provide a personalized and taxonomy based view of his collection of content. We won’t forget that all his videos are a brand of the UhuruKenyatta TV. Cool or Not?
Social Media Usage (click to follow):
Facebook, MyuhuruKenyatta, Twitter, Scribd, Youtube, Flickr
Number of Followers:
Facebook Page: 68 321
Twitter Account: 3778 Followers
2.) Martha Karua
She recently launched her 2012 presidential bid and news of this didn’t have to wait for the mainstream media to reach the feeds as long as you are one of her 131,712 facebook page likes. Her usage of this technology is an example of s politician utilization of social media to engage and guide citizens on matters of governance other than sell their political products and campaigns. She however comes in second to Uhuru Kenyatta due to the shallow extent of usage of social media applications and practices to those of Mr Kenyatta.
Social Media Usage (click to follow):
Facebook, Martha karua, Twitter
Number of Followers:
Facebook Page: 131, 712 Likes
Twitter Account: 948 Followers
3. Peter Kenneth
The Gatanga Member of Parliament comes in the third position. He has a strong following on both his twitter and facebook accounts. He regularly updates his accounts with timely information and messages just like he did on the 8th of may as the world Celebrated mother’s day.
“To all the wonderful women who are mothers (including my own mother) I wish you a truly beautiful and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!” the message read.
He like the other politicians who make our list has a committed spirit to social media.
Social Media Usage (click to follow):
Facebook, My PK, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn
Number of Followers:
Facebook Page: 34, 897 Likes
Twitter Account: 12, 348 Followers
4.) Raila Odinga
ODM’s party website has breathed some life to the social media meter of Raila Odinga. His facebook page is a little short of interactive but it has so far served his purpose of communicating and regularly catching up with his followers. Raila Odinga has also made good usage of the Prime Minister’s website which has a strong connection to government affairs which as expected would be of interest to the public. He makes a good point so far that the campaigns are not yet but time will tell on how good his team can leverage on social media.
Social Media Usage (click to follow):
Facebook, Chungwa Moja, Office of the Prime Minister
Number of Followers:
Facebook Page: 30, 793 Likes
5) Kalonzo Musyoka
You will get good and credible information from his Social Media applications. Social Media users want to get a perfect understanding of the whereabouts of their leaders. They also expect to be lured with congratulatory messages during various occasions. Kalonzo Musyoka has used his social media interest to address issues of governance as well as update on his political activities. His investment in the social media front is commendable
Social Media Usage (click to follow):
Facebook, My Kalonzo Musyoka, Youtube, Twitter, Blogger
Number of Followers:
Facebook Page: 12, 648 Likes
Twitter: 925 followers
6) William Ruto
Silence! That’s what William Ruto’s social media presence and use says. His facebook page has 44, 756 likes. William Ruto closes our list of Politicians who have influence on the Internet.
Social Media Usage (click to follow):
Number of Followers:
Facebook Page: 44, 757 Likes
If it is anything to go by, you should note that other than running TV ads and smacking public walls with posters, Social media has become a more effective way for politicians to engage and share messages with their Citizens in the developed countries. We will surely continue to gauge the use of social media by politicians in the coming days. Since it can’t be a clear verdict on this issue, please take the following poll.
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