A blogger at State House!

PHOTO | PSCU Dennis Itumbi (second from right) with members of the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit. 

By SAMWEL BORN MAINA sborn@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Thursday, July 18  2013 at  01:00

SHARE THIS STORY

0
inShare

Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Kenyan bloggger Dennis Itumbi as the Director, Digital, New Media and Diaspora in the Executive Office of The President. Itumbi, who was Uhuru’s avid supporter prior to the March General Elections, was arguably appointed to the new post due to his consistency on social media. Before Uhuru became the president, Itumbi, who commands a large following on both Twitter and Facebook, used the popularity to sell Uhuru’s manifesto.

Still, the ‘digital’ government has had a continuous presence on social media since it took over 100 days ago. It is expected. During campaigns, Uhuru used social media platforms to sell his promises, with his campaign messages being streamed on YouTube. His following on Twitter (@UKenyatta) has surpassed the 200,000 mark while his Facebook page has more that half a million likes.

At least once a day, the president updates his status and, within seconds, receives more that 1,000 comments.

His deputy William Ruto has also been active on social media. Ruto has nearly 80,000 Twitter followers while his Facebook page has close to 400,000 likes. Just like the president, Ruto occasionally updates his social media with photos and messages.

He also uses Twitter to motivate sports lovers and fans. Last month he tweeted, “Heading to Impala Club to watch the #RWC7s semifinals. Join me in cheering #TeamKenya #Kenya7s on.”

President Kenyatta and his deputy have emulated other world leaders in using social media as a tool to link themselves with the masses.

Itumbi will now be in charge of State House social media sites and will be tasked with updating every movement the president makes.