Photo: Nation Media Group. Retrieved from nation.africa
For decades, residents of the islands that make up the Lamu archipelago were mocked by other Kenyans because they often received news and information later than other parts of the country. To date, the islands, which include Lamu Old Town, still receive newspapers more than 12 hours after the rest of
the country due to transport challenges.
However, technological advancements have brought significant change, with Lamu residents now at par with the rest of the world in terms of access to news and information. In the remote island of Kiwayu near the Kenya-Somalia border, Mr. Bakari Kombo recounts how they used to live in the dark 20 years ago. Kiwayu is among the more than 35 islands making the Lamu Archipelago.
Mr Adam Lali, another resident of Kiwayu, says the internet has significantly transformed how news is consumed here.
Apart from the usual browsing for news and trending issues on the internet, says Mr. Lali, people connect on social media platforms, which have also become vital communication and networking tools.
Social media has brought the rest of the world right to their doorsteps, Mr. Lali says, and they are now able to keep up with the trending issues of the day.