NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenyan Telegram users have faced a communication blackout as the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) orders a temporary suspension of the popular messaging platform.
For the duration of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, access to Telegram has been restricted, disrupting usage on Android, iOS, desktop apps, and the Telegram website.
The CA issued directives to local mobile network operators for the partial suspension after allegations that the platform was being misused to undermine the integrity of national exams.
In the past few days, many Kenyans have struggled with messages failing to send, with little clarity on the cause—until now.
The CA revealed that various government agencies had raised concerns over channels allegedly sharing sensitive exam information, particularly during critical hours of KCSE exams.
The regulatory body singled out Telegram for its lack of response in addressing misuse concerns, despite other social media platforms taking proactive steps.
The authority also cited non-compliance with Kenya’s data protection and content regulations, adding that Telegram’s inaction on these issues compelled it to enforce a suspension.
The directive applies between 7:00–10:00 a.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday until November 22, 2024.
Safaricom, Airtel Kenya, Telkom Kenya, and Jamii Telecommunications were ordered to enforce the measure to help secure exam integrity.
For those still needing access, virtual private networks (VPNs) offer a workaround by masking IP addresses and rerouting traffic through private servers.
While VPN use is legal in Kenya, the CA’s suspension has fueled discussions on privacy and online accessibility.
Popular VPN options like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN offer enhanced encryption, allowing users to bypass these restrictions temporarily. Notably, ProtonVPN provides a robust free version, which is also open-source, offering budget-friendly accessibility.
The CA’s decision underscores a growing challenge in balancing digital freedom with national security needs, particularly in an exam-sensitive period.
Critics argue that targeting a single platform may set a precedent for further restrictions, while proponents view the suspension as a necessary step to uphold exam integrity.
While this measure is expected to end with the KCSE exams, its impact on Kenya’s digital ecosystem could linger, raising questions on regulatory control over online platforms.
