Kenya’s Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has mandated social media companies operating in the country to establish physical offices locally.
The move is part of broader efforts to enhance accountability amid growing concerns over online abuse and disinformation.
Why it matters
- The directive also compels telecommunications providers and platform owners to strengthen measures against harassment, hate speech, and incitement to violence.
- Omollo emphasized that effective collaboration between the government, telcos, and social media platforms is key to curbing digital misconduct.
The big picture
- Kenya’s digital economy is booming, with over 20,000 government services available on the eCitizen platform.
- President William Ruto has secured partnerships with platforms like YouTube and Facebook to help Kenyan youth monetize digital content.
- However, rising cases of cyber misuse highlight the need for stricter enforcement and regulation.
What they’re saying
“There is a growing need to effectively navigate the misuse and abuse of social media,” Omollo said. He called on platforms to monitor and act against violent, hateful, or unmoderated content while urging telcos to reassess user identification models.
What’s next
- The Ministry plans to launch public campaigns on responsible internet use and set up a centralized hub for reporting cyber threats.
- New content moderation frameworks and deterrent measures for repeat offenders are under consideration.
Zoom out
Kenya is walking a tightrope between fostering digital innovation and tackling cyber abuse. The government’s latest steps aim to strike a balance, ensuring a secure and inclusive online space that supports both innovation and accountability.
Source: Eastleigh Voice
