Religious Institutions’ Use of Social Media Platforms During COVID-19 in Kenya

Abstract

This study investigates the communication dynamics within Kenyan religious institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the role of diverse social media platforms, such as YouTube and Facebook, in offering emotional and spiritual support in Christian and Islamic institutions. Using a survey and resilience lens, the study analyzes social media usage, utility variations, and the influence of religious institutions on information sharing during lockdowns and pandemic easing. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) highlight the significant role of these platforms in crisis communication. This research addresses a gap in the limited literature on the role of social media in crisis communication within religious contexts during the COVID-19 era.