Nanjala Nyabola's Digital Democracy, Analogue Politics

In her latest book, Digital Democracy, Analogue Politics, Nanjala Nyabola paints the complexities of Kenyan politics as underlies the relationship between Kenyans and digital technology.

Written by Stella Njogo

May 9, 2019

The rebellion is palpable. Technology is shifting power dynamics and providing a platform to create new identities and ideas of self in reaction and resistance to what went before. Against the white-washed agenda-driven narratives on Africa; against the singular brush stroke that paints an Africa that constantly needs saving; in her latest book, Nanjala Nyabola presents a celebration of agency. Permitting oneself to tell their story in all its complexity is the essence of Digital Democracy, Analogue Politics: How the internet era is transforming Kenya.

The prospect of reading through a book that chronicles the reality in which I exist was intriguing. As well as reading about this reality through a new lens: the lens of an academic, an analyst, a Kenyan and a woman. Like me and unlike me. Nyabola subtly lets us in on her true intention—this is a rebuttal to being left out of academia books; an exercise of writing oneself into history.

I approached this book with some bias. Being an active member of the Kenyan digital scene, I wondered what new light could be shed on issues I was already familiar with. Is this another academic talking past me?Talking straight into the arms of the west that we so desperately want to validate us? However, I met a delightful and thoroughly researched recounting and analysis of events in and around the rise of social media in Kenya. The Meteoric rise. Nyabola paints the complex beginnings of politics as we know it. The founding fathers with the games they played that laid the foundation of a troubled relationship between Kenyans and traditional media.

Divided into two major sections, Digital Democracy, Analogue Politics…takes a look at the different yet related spheres of the title. Analogue politics and Digital democracy. The chapters are easy to follow and acquaint one with the undercurrents from the past, creating waves that rock the boats in the present. Its nine chapters flow into each other with ease, a feat not easy to accomplish considering the complexity of the evolution of politics in Kenya.

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About the Author

Stella Njogo

is the head of content strategy and client service at Alternative, a leading advertising agency in Nairobi.

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Nanjala Nyabola's Digital Democracy, Analogue Politics