Kenya’s media is shifting into digital era after State of the Media Report 2025, which stated social media has officially overtaken the traditional platforms as the leading source of news for Kenyans. The report, released on May 4, 2026, reveals that 27 % of Kenyans prefer getting news from the social media, compared to 25% from television, 19% from radio and 13% from print media.
The report have indicated how the digital platforms have reshaped the way Kenyans consume information. The access to smartphones and internet, with the platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and WhatsApp are now the central to daily news.
Social media offers immediacy, interactivity and a sense of community that traditional outlets struggle to match. Though television and radio were once dominant, they will remain an influential but increasingly be seen as secondary sources. As print media is declining, it reflects the global trend where physical newspapers face stiff competition from the digital first –responding.
The shift carries both opportunities and challenges; with the opportunity showing citizens are engaging directly with breaking news and diverse viewpoints on social media. On the challenges, it has raised concerns about misinformation, echo chambers and declining trust in traditional journalism.
This ecosystem will adapt or risk to irrelevance, as many sources and outlets investing in digital strategies, live streaming and interactive content. As we delve into deeper in the digital era, it marks a turning point for the country’s news ecosystem, defined by smartphones rather than television and radio sets.
