All social media platforms in Kenya must have physical offices in the country, the Ministry of Interior has directed. The directive was announced on Thursday January 16, 2025 to address accountability and cybersecurity as disinformation, online abuse and manipulation on digital platforms continues to rise.
Why the Directive
This was after a meeting chaired by Interior PS Raymond Omollo with key stakeholders in the telecommunication and social media industry. The meeting was to address:
- Cybersecurity
- Responsible use of social media platforms.
- Technology for service delivery without gagging free speech.
Highlights:
- Accountability: Government said physical offices would make operators responsible.
- Curbing Misuse: Measures to address harassment, hate speech, incitement to violence and online crimes were discussed.
- Consensus: Stakeholders agreed on tougher measures to ensure ethical use of digital platforms.
Government on Social Media Abuse
The directive comes as the Ruto government is being criticized on social media including protests using AI generated content.
- President William Ruto has expressed concern over online abuse, told the youth to engage in constructive conversations.
- Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen recently said individuals misusing social media will face legal action:
“If we don’t do that we will not have a country. We want to bring order to our country.”
Consequences of the Directive
This is a major shift in the government’s approach to regulating digital platforms and will have:
- Increased Accountability Physical offices will enable authorities to engage with social media companies directly for swift resolution of hate speech, fake news and other cybercrimes cases.
- Freedom of Expression vs Regulation Government says we must balance freedom of expression with responsible use. But will this lead to censorship or silence dissent?
- Operational Challenges for Social Media Companies Global tech companies will need to invest in local infrastructure which will affect their operations and business model in Kenya.
- Cybersecurity By bringing stakeholders together government wants to strengthen its cybersecurity framework to address local and international online threats.
Global Perspective
This is a global trend, other countries like India and Nigeria have done similar. overposting.ocial media within their borders.