IN SHORT: Fake graphics impersonating credible media houses are nothing new on social media platforms in Kenya. One example is a news alert with the Tuko logo claiming that the tourism industry in Kenya is in crisis.
A graphic posted on social media claims that Kenya’s tourism sector is in crisis amid anti-government protests in the country.
The graphic was published on 22 July 2024, the day before the anti-government protests, and includes text that reads: “Tour operators have reported over 80% cancellations by international tourists due to Gen Z protests.”
One user posted the graphic with the caption: ”With 80% of tours and safaris canceled, Kenya's tourism sector is in crisis. The protests must end. #EconomicShutDown Market Losses MakeMoney Not Noise.”
The circulating graphic includes the logo of Tuko.co.ke, suggesting that it was published by the Kenyan online news outlet.
In total, posts making the claim on X (formerly Twitter) have received at least 369,000 views.
Since 18 June 2024, Kenya has been struggling to contain nationwide protests led by young people, widely referred to by local and international media as Generation Z or Gen Z. The protests were triggered by an unpopular finance bill that included controversial proposals for tax increases.
The demonstrations continued even after Kenya's president William Ruto withdrew the bill and sacked almost the entire cabinet. The rolling protests have since shifted to calls for better governance and for Ruto to step down.
The protests have led to dozens of deaths and lost revenue for businesses, with reports that the tourism industry has been affected. Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange for Kenya.
So, is the graphic genuine? We checked.
‘Beware of fake news!’
Tuko.co.ke often posts its graphics on its verified social media accounts, including Facebook and X. We searched the accounts for the graphic and came up empty.
On 22 July, the media outlet posted the circulating graphic on social media, with the word "fake" printed in red.
"Beware of fake news! Always remember, if it's not on our verified platforms, it's not from us," the news agency wrote.
The graphic is fake and should be ignored.
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