The
Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has directed mobile network operators to
temporarily suspend the Telegram messaging platform, citing concerns over its
misuse during the ongoing national exams. This decision comes after various
government agencies reached out to the CA, reporting that certain Telegram
forums were compromising the integrity of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary
Education (KCSE) examinations.
In a formal
letter dated October 31, 2024, the Director General of the Communications
Authority, David Mutonyi expressed disappointment over Telegram Inc.’s
non-responsiveness to previous requests to address misuse concerns. The CA noted
that other social media platforms operating in Kenya have proactively taken
steps to curb similar misuse. However, Telegram’s alleged non-compliance and
continued hosting of channels that breach national laws and data privacy
principles have led to this unprecedented suspension.
The suspension
is set to be enforced during key exam hours, specifically between 7:00 a.m. and
10:00 a.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, up until
November 22, 2024. The authority has directed all mobile network operators,
including Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom Kenya, and Jamii Telecommunications, to
implement this directive, ensuring that the platform is inaccessible during the
designated times.
The CA
reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the national exams and
urged operators to comply fully.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
