If there’s one thing Kenyans online are famous for, it’s being brutally honest, sometimes too brutally. For women and girls, the comment section can quickly turn from a place of engagement to a hotspot of harassment, abuse, and trolling. With the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in 2025, understanding how to survive and thrive in these spaces is crucial.
1. Don’t Feed the Trolls
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Ignore aggressive comments: Trolls want a reaction. Responding often fuels more abuse.
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Stay calm: Avoid engaging in arguments or defending yourself repeatedly.
2. Use Platform Tools
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Block and report: Every platform allows you to block abusive users and report harassment. Don’t hesitate to use these tools.
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Comment moderation: On your posts, enable filters for offensive words or limit comments to friends/followers.
3. Protect Your Privacy
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Limit personal details: Avoid posting information that could be used to attack or dox you.
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Check tagging settings: Prevent others from tagging you publicly without your permission.
4. Keep Evidence
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Screenshots: Save abusive messages or comments as proof.
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Reporting to authorities: For threats or harassment, Kenya’s Cybercrime Unit can intervene.
5. Prioritize Your Mental Health
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Step away: Take breaks from social media when negativity becomes overwhelming.
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Support system: Talk to friends, mentors, or online groups about your experiences.
The Kenyan comment section can be a tough space, but with the right strategies, women and girls can maintain control, protect their mental health, and stay safe online. Remember: you don’t have to face online abuse alone, digital safety tools and support networks exist to help you.