Social media influencers have been urged to monitise their sites and build networks by producing captivating content.
Sharing content and promoting each other’s work were also identified among ways social media influencers could grow and nurture their skills.
Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Mombasa Regional Coordinator Maureen Mudi who spoke to journalists in Kwale stressed the need for influencers to create a niche for themselves and learn from best practices.
“We encourage influencers to produce relevant content for their audiences, not just for clicks and likes, but content that can also propel them into becoming better and professional”, she said during the Search for Common Grounds collaborative training on hate speech and disinformation for social media influencers in Mombasa and Kwale counties held in Kwale.
Ms Mudi said there are many options available online for influencers to monetise their sites.
Search for Common Grounds Media Officer Dominick Mwambui stressed the importance of training influencers as they churn content for the masses.
“Through this project on ‘Uchaguzi Bila Balaa’, we train groups and individuals on various steps they can take to improve their work. We empower them on how to respond to conflicts while also understanding the levels of conflicts they face within their spaces”, said Mwambui.
Ms Mudi said professionalism is crucial as it builds trust and gives assurance to the audiences that they are being fed with reliable and trusted information.
“We have a programme tailored for media practitioners, especially those who work in the media industry and do not have background training in media. We equip them with basic knowledge and ethics on what ought to be done within their fields”, she said.