Mudavadi to youth: Irresponsible social media use will ruin opportunities abroad

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyan youth to exercise caution and responsibility in their use of social media. 

He warned that reckless online behavior could hinder their chances of securing opportunities abroad.

Speaking during the funeral of Mzee Aggrey Luseno in Sabatia, Mudavadi—who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs—revealed that embassies and immigration agencies around the world are increasingly scrutinising social media profiles as part of background checks for visa applications.

“I would like to encourage young people to be reasonable and careful when using social media, because you are the people who want to study abroad, do business there, and travel the world,” he said.

He specifically referenced the United States, which now requires visa applicants to disclose their social media handles used within the last five years.

This information is examined as part of enhanced vetting procedures aimed at identifying security risks and verifying applicant information.

“As you have seen, the US has said it will introduce a parameter of following your social media footprint,” Mudavadi explained. “If you have been insulting people or behaving irresponsibly online, your visa application may be in jeopardy.”

Mudavadi added that other countries are likely to adopt similar vetting procedures, extending the impact of one’s digital footprint across international borders.

He also warned that employers—both local and international—are silently screening job applicants' online presence, even if they don’t explicitly say so.

“Employers may not announce it, but they are also checking what you post. Your digital conduct matters now more than ever,” he said.

Appealing to the youth as an elder and national leader, Mudavadi emphasised the long-term consequences of careless social media engagement.

“We may be shooting ourselves in the foot if we are not careful. Let us be responsible when we engage on digital platforms. The internet never forgets,” he cautioned.

His remarks come at a time when concerns over digital reputation and online conduct are rising globally, with several governments and companies using social media analysis to make decisions on security clearances, job offers, and immigration.