The Kenyan government has mandated all social media platforms operating in the country to establish physical offices within its borders.
This move aims to enhance accountability and address issues such as incitement to violence, disinformation, and online harassment. Kenyan citizens, particularly the youth, had expressed concerns about the misuse of social media, and this decision seeks to address those concerns.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary of the Interior, Raymond Omollo, commented on the decision, stating:
“The rising abuse of social media, such as harassment, hate speech, and incitement to violence, requires swift and decisive intervention.”
He also emphasized that for comprehensive security, platform operators and telecommunications providers must fully comply with the regulations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also highlighted that individuals committing cybercrimes would be arrested and prosecuted under Kenyan law.
As of January 2024, Kenya has 13.05 million active social media users. This regulation is expected to significantly enhance the safety of Kenyan social media users.
However, some critics argue that the decision may restrict freedom of expression. Another criticism is that these regulations could reduce global accessibility and limit users’ rights to share information.
This is not the first time Kenya has implemented such a decision. In August 2023, TikTok agreed to open an office in the country under similar requirements. However, the office has yet to be established, and in March 2024, the use of TikTok was restricted in Kenya.