- The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has disclosed that it has no plans to shut down the Internet or disrupt the quality of connectivity as a protest against the Finance Bill 2024 persists.
- Per the authority, “Such actions would be a betrayal of the constitution as a whole, the freedom of expression in particular and our ethos”, adding that it would also undermine the digital economy, as Internet connectivity supports thousands of livelihoods across the country.
- Meanwhile, it advised Kenyans to use the digital space respectfully and by the law.
Last week, Finance Bill 2024 passed a second reading after which it will proceed to the committee stage and subsequently pass through a third reading after which the president will assent to it.
The bill includes a 1.5% digital tax on local platforms that offer services such as online jobs, rentals, food delivery, and ride-hailing, a value-added tax (VAT) on electric bikes, buses, and solar and lithium-ion batteries, and a 6% Significant Economic Presence (SEP) Tax which has generated uproar from the end of the ride-hailing companies.
On Monday, June 24, 2024, organisations including Amnesty International and the Bloggers Association warned the government against any interruption of internet services, stating that it would be a gross violation of human rights.
The NGOs added that shutting down or throttling the Internet, shadow-banning hashtags, or imposing a mass media ban on live reporting would constitute a gross violation of fundamental human rights. It noted that it would undermine people's legitimate rights to organise, demonstrate, and participate in policy-making processes.
Similarly, KICTANet, a multi-stakeholder think tank for ICT policy and regulation, called on the government to desist from implementing any internet shutdowns or information controls.
KICTANet warned that an Internet blackout in the country would have disastrous economic consequences, impacting eCommerce, mobile money, and the digital startup sector.
Kenya has a history of Internet shutdowns. In December 2023, Telegram was periodically blocked for over a week in the country due to an alleged leak of secondary school exam papers on the platform. This social media shutdown lasted 192 hours and cost $27 million in Internet restrictions.
