Twitter just gave Kenya its own hashflags for ahead of election in August

david nganga

July 25, 2017 5:49 PM

The two hashflags will be used by Kenyans to create conversations rallying around the August 8 polls.

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Popular social networking service Twitter has granted two dedicated hash flags for the upcoming Kenyan Election.

The hashflags, #electionske and #electionske2017, will be used by Kenyans to create conversations rallying around the August 8 polls.

Hashflags are specialized hashtags with custom Twitter emoji that allow people to offer their thoughts about it, using it or letting people see what people are saying about the event.

Twitter noted that real time debates coupled with hashtags is one of their biggest assets since it generates a lot of engagement hence the introduction of ‘hashflags.’

The specialized form of hashtag comes at a time when Kenya is holding its second general elections during the age of social media and also in the midst of mounting speculation that there could be censorship or even outright bans due to an increased in fake news.

The last elections in the country were held in 2013 and the relative population active on social media was way smaller than what it currently is. There are an estimated two million Twitter users in Kenya.

david nganga