Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei during a past event/FILEForeign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei has urged Kenyans to be mindful when using social media.
Coming hot on the heels of a move by the US to tighten its visa rules, Sing'oei emphasised the need for responsible digital conduct.
“Responsible use of digital platforms is important,” said Sing’oei, as he weighed in on the tightened scrutiny that now forms part of the US visa application process.
According to a statement from the US Embassy, the measure applies to the DS-160 visa application form, which now mandates applicants to list usernames from all social media platforms used in the last five years.
This includes accounts used for personal, professional, or public engagement.
“Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit,” a statement by the Embassy reads in part.
The measure is part of increased vetting procedures introduced to enhance national security and applicant transparency.
The Embassy warned that, “Omitting social media information on your application could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future US visas.”
The announcement comes days after the Embassy highlighted the US government's interagency efforts to combat fraud and end illegal immigration.
It warned that those who commit visa fraud will be banned from the United States for life, adding that “a nation without borders is not a nation”.
“We will pursue criminal charges against those who engage in visa fraud and those who bring in and harbour illegal aliens,” the US warned.
The requirement also extends to international students seeking to study in the United States.
Social media screening for US visa applicants has been in effect since 2019. However, recent updates suggest that foreign nationals will now face tighter scrutiny.
The stricter monitoring aligns with former President Trump's immigration clampdown, which included Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented migrants
Observers say the Trump administration appeared focused on filtering applicants based on views expressed online, especially those touching on sensitive global issues, as well as personal values, political opinions, and so-called “radical” content.
Under the policy, US officials can monitor a wide range of an applicant's social media activity, from posts and comments to shared media, tags, reactions and account interactions.
