World

When Big Tech becomes a tool of state control in Kenya

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 21/10/2026, 15:46:24 UTC.

Briefings

Kenya's internet freedom has declined significantly since 2018, with authorities shifting censorship from broadcasters to platforms like Telegram and X. In 2024 and 2025, internet access was blocked during protests, and platforms were suspended or banned. A 2025 amendment law expanded state powers, though it was struck down by the High Court in July 2026. A coordinated campaign involving paid actors on X suppressed Gen Z-led protests between 2024 and 2025.

Key points

• In 2018, the Kenyan government cut off live broadcasts on KTN, NTV, and Citizen TV, a move defended by the Interior Ministry citing security briefings.
• During the June 2024 tax protests, authorities shut down internet connectivity for approximately seven hours and blocked Telegram during the same period, with blocks reversed the same day.

Context

Kenya's internet freedom decline is part of a global pattern where authoritarian governments use censorship and offline repression to crush online protests. Freedom House reported the most severe decline among 72 countries in 2025, while Access Now noted 313 global shutdowns in 2025, with protests being the leading trigger.

Limitations

Evidence covers specific incidents from 2018 to July 2026, including 2024 and 2025 protests. Some details regarding the 2026 election blackout and platform office demands remain incomplete or unverified in the provided text.

Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 21/10/2026, 15:53:41 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.

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