Makinia Juma Sylvia

Senior researcher

Derniers fact-checks

No, Kenyan government has not introduced tax on social media platforms

A video posted on TikTok in November 2023 supposedly shows a clip from an international TV station announcing that the Kenyan government will start taxing social media platforms. The video features anchor Jim Williams of CBN News Chicago, a news channel based in Illinois, United States. “The...

Misleading TikTok videos falsely claim Kenya has sold 20 counties and four tribes to China

A video posted on TikTok in November 2023 supposedly shows a clip of a leading TV station announcing that Kenya had “officially sold 20 counties to China”. The video features the logo of Kenyan television station KTN News and the station's anchor Eric Latiff. Kenya is divided into 47 admin...

marriage certificate

fee

couple

No monthly fee for Kenyan couples without marriage certificates – ignore fabricated graphic

A graphic circulating on social media in Kenya claims that couples living as husband and wife, but without a marriage certificate, will have to pay KSh2,500 (US$16) every month. The graphic features a photo of interior minister Kithure Kindiki and attributes the quote to him. It is dated 8 Novemb...

No, government initiative Huduma Kenya not paying long-awaited benefits to ministry of education retirees, old hoax resurfaces

A message circulating on Facebook and WhatsApp in Kenya since September 2023 claims that long-suffering former employees of the ministry of education are being paid. “Hi members, do you know of anyone who worked in the ministry of Education as a teacher or any other position and retired between...

Latest facts

#YouAsked

Covid-19

Does smoking have an impact on recovery from Covid-19?

Source

World Health Organization

Short answer

Does smoking have an impact on recovery from Covid-19?

Smoking is known to impair lung function, affect the immune system and can increase the severity of respiratory diseases such as influenza. Although no randomised controlled studies that have directly investigated the effect of smoking on people with Covid-19 are available at present, according to t...

Back Full answer

Welfare & population

How many people have access to mobile connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Source

GSMA:The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2023

Short answer

How many people have access to mobile connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa?

The GSMA (GSM Association) represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide. It brings together nearly 800 operators with more than 300 companies from the wider mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies. According...

Back Full answer

Education

Is media literacy taught in African schools?

Source

Misinformation Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa: From Laws and Regulations to Media Literacy

Short answer

Is media literacy taught in African schools?

A study of media literacy in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda found that media literacy was barely taught in the seven African countries, with only South Africa having elements of misinformation literacy. ...

Back Full answer

Welfare & population

How many people have access to a computer in the different countries in Africa?

Source

ITU Digital Development Dashboard

Short answer

How many people have access to a computer in the different countries in Africa?

The International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Digital Development Dashboard provides a clear picture of digital progress around the world. Based on the latestITU figures, here are the percentages of households with computers in various African countries: Cameroon: 18%, Egypt: 70%, Kenya: 9%, M...

Back Full answer

Makinia Juma Sylvia

Derniers fact-checks

Latest facts

Does smoking have an impact on recovery from Covid-19?

How many people have access to mobile connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Is media literacy taught in African schools?

How many people have access to a computer in the different countries in Africa?

Meet our team

Lee Mwiti

Noko Makgato

Alphonce Shiundu

David Ajikobi

Cayley Clifford

Valdez Onanina

Motunrayo Joel

Dancan Nanyanga Bwire

Keegan Leech

Allwell Okpi

Grace Wairimu Gichuhi

Lwandle Mthombeni

Catherine Adeniyi

Dieynaba Thiombane

Carina van Wyk

Kirsten Cosser

Laura Kapelari

Hlalani Gumpo

Thipe Maelane

Bokamoso Matsawane

Souleymane Diassy

Makinia Juma Sylvia

Aretha Mashotana

Tshiamo Mononyane

Mary Mbiti

Coumba Sylla

Winnie Theletsane

Azil Momar Lô

Taryn Khourie

Muktar Balogun

Semilore Adelola

Tess Wandia

Amobi Denzel Ifeanyichukwu

Philile Ntombela

Misiwe Zulu

Mmabatho Koena

Ester Levinrad

Sarah Lubala-Smit

Khumo Motaung

For reading our fact-checks!