Kenya Demands Social Media Companies Establish Local Offices – Africa.com
Kenya’s interior ministry announced an order requiring social media companies to set up physical offices in the country, signaling tighter regulations. According to the ministry, the decision was taken after meetings with telecommunications and social media stakeholders to address social media abuse, including hate speech and incitement to violence. Protests against the Finance Bill 2024 erupted across the country a few months ago, with platforms such as TikTok and X amplifying public dissent, including demonstrations. During the protests, hashtags such as #RejectTheFinanceBill2024 received more than 4 million impressions, highlighting the role of social media in mobilization. Kenya is known as one of the few African countries where citizens have unrestricted access to social media. However, recent developments, including the alleged kidnapping of more than 80 government critics, have put that reputation under scrutiny.
source: technical organization
