26 Kenyan civil society and digital rights advocates have united in condemning the government’s recent decision to block access to the Telegram messaging platform.
According to the group statement. This unprecedented action, reportedly aimed at preventing cheating during national examinations, has sparked serious concerns about the implications for digital rights and internet freedom in Kenya.
The civil society organizations including the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), KICTANet, Internet Society Kenya, and others note that this blockage infringes on rights guaranteed under both the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights frameworks. By restricting access to an essential communication platform, the government limits freedom of expression, access to information, and digital assembly—rights fundamental to Kenya’s democracy.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) reportedly issued instructions to major telecom providers, including Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom Kenya, and Jamii Telecommunications, to block Telegram during school hours until November 22, 2024. This measure was ostensibly put in place to prevent exam malpractice, yet connectivity tests from OONI, NetBlocks, and local network monitoring group Tatua confirm that Telegram remains inaccessible even outside exam hours, impacting a broad cross-section of Kenyans.
While the organizations acknowledge the importance of exam integrity, they urge the government to adopt rights-based alternatives rather than implementing sweeping digital restrictions. Solutions such as enhancing exam security, prosecuting those involved in malpractice, and using secure exam management technologies are suggested as better methods to address cheating while respecting digital rights.
Collectively, the groups argue that blocking a major social media platform contradicts Kenya’s commitment to the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the Pact of the Future, which advocate for an open, secure, and universal internet. This action is part of a concerning trend in Kenya: just months ago, in June 2024, internet access was disrupted during protests against the Finance Bill, and a similar Telegram suspension occurred in November 2023.
These repeated actions reflect a pattern that could erode public trust in Kenya’s digital governance. The internet is essential to Kenya’s digital economy, supporting countless businesses, education, and civic participation. Blocking access without transparency undermines democratic values and harms the country’s digital ecosystem, affecting Kenya’s standing as a leader in ICT and internet freedom in Africa.
Further, the Civil society organizations are calling on the government to retract the current order and restore access to Telegram, stressing that internet disruptions do not meet the “three-part test” under international human rights law, which requires restrictions to be legal, necessary, and proportionate. They argue that a stable, accessible internet must remain a priority, particularly given its critical role in Kenya’s socio-economic development.
Additionally, they urge the Kenyan government to consult with civil society and relevant stakeholders on sustainable and rights-based approaches to digital governance. The coalition’s statement underscores that blocking internet access not only limits rights but also sets a troubling precedent for future governance of Kenya’s digital space.