Gov't Orders Ban of Telegram Services in Kenya

The Telegram app

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has ordered a temporary suspension of the Telegram messaging app.

In a letter dated October 31, CA Director General David Mutonyi, voiced concerns to the CEOs of leading mobile networks, including Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom, and Jamii Telecommunications that Telegram had become a site where the integrity of KCSE exams was being compromised.

The Authority explained that Telegram had become a host for forums and social media channels involved in disrupting the exam process.

"It has come to the attention of the Authority that the Telegram platform is being misused to perpetrate criminal activities including compromising on the integrity of the on-going national examinations," the letter read.

At the same time, the Authority noted that several government agencies had reached out, requesting assistance in taking down Telegram channels that were violating exam protocols.

While CA appreciated that other social media platforms had taken steps to address the same issues, it took issue with Telegram for being non-responsive.

Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Director General David Mutonyi

"We note with dismay that Telegram Inc. has remained non-responsive and continues to host offending forums and channels in blatant breach of the laws of the land and the general principles of Data Protection and Privacy," the letter read in part.

It instructed all mobile operators to withdraw the services of Telegram in Kenya during specific hours when KCSE exams are on.

"By this letter, all Mobile Network Operators are hereby directed to use all available mechanisms to suspend the operation of Telegram Inc in the country particularly during the administration of the KCSE examinations from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the morning and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon from Monday to Friday up to until November 22nd, 2024.," the letter concluded.

Many users in Kenya reported not being able to access the app amidst the announcement, while multiple users took to X to report that the platform experienced intermittent outages on Friday.

These limitations are being evaded by some using VPNs.