One Instance Govt Can Shut Down Social Media: CS Kabogo

The government will only cut off social media access from Kenyans if or when there is a threat to national security, Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has warned.

Kabogo, who is more than 10 days into his new role, however, affirmed that the government would not in any way interfere with the social media platforms Kenyans access daily, despite most of the criticism towards the government coming from Kenyans posting on those platforms.

He cited the case of Rwanda when the media was used for incitement during the genocide.“Of course, the capacity is there in case we have situations of national security importance."

"For example, you know what happened to Rwanda when the radios were used for genocide purposes. If that happens, we will switch them off," said Kabogo, who was speaking in Eldoret after the Annual Data Privacy Conference, commemorating Data Privacy Day 2025 on Tuesday, January 28.

The National Security Council Act, which aligns with Article 238(1) of the Constitution, defines national security as "the protection against internal and external threats to Kenya's territorial integrity and sovereignty, its people, their rights, freedoms, property, peace, stability, and prosperity, and other national interests."

Publishing or broadcasting information that undermines investigations or security operations by the National Police Service or the Kenya Defence Forces as well as the defamation of foreign dignitaries are some of the things considered threats to national security under the Penal Code.

Kabogo, an outspoken individual, remained resolute that the government would not interfere with social media access despite the viral memes depicting leaders in coffins and abuse being experienced by many top leaders. “We are not planning to switch off anything. It's not in our minds. I made a caption on top of that and said the capacity is there,” Kabogo stated.

While addressing the rising concerns about the regulation of digital spaces, Kabogo, on Monday, made it clear that discussions on banning or disabling these platforms were "not on the table at all."

"I would not envisage or imagine a situation where we would switch off Facebook," Kabogo said, adding that the topic of banning or switching off social media platforms was far from being considered.

Instead, he called on social media users to self-regulate and respect other Kenyans. "We have said that there is a need to create a good environment with the use of social media. I said this the other day, we are not planning to switch on anything. It is not in our minds," the CS remarked.

Despite his advice, discourse on the matter shows the fear among Kenyans of the government going to such extremes. Actions by governments of other countries, including Kenya's neighbours, to either slow internet speeds or completely shut down social media platforms, have been a means of halting mounting criticism, but have widely been criticised for interfering with freedom of expression.

The Kenyan government has been playing hardball against the social media giants of the world. This is the very same government that announced recently that social media companies will be required to establish physical offices in Kenya to enable the government to ensure accountability of the platforms' usage.

The popular platforms targeted include Meta, which is owned by Mark Zuckerberg and has platforms such as Facebook (with 3.07 billion users globally) and Instagram (2.4 billion users globally), as well as X (600 million users globally) which is owned by American billionaire Elon Musk.

The order also targets TikTok, boasting almost 1.6 billion active users each month on its platform, which sits at position five of the world's most monthly active users following Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp & Instagram. Other popular social media apps targeted include YouTube, Snapchat, Linkedin, Pinterest, and Snapchat.

Furthermore, there were reports of internet disruptions during the Gen Z-led protests last year, which many perceived as attempts to curb the mobilisation and communication of protesters. Such actions were criticised for violating constitutional rights to freedom of expression and access to information.

Article 33 of the Kenyan Constitution explains this clearly. Section 1 stipulates that every person has the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom to seek, receive or impart information or ideas; freedom of artistic creativity; and academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.

Not long ago, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen pledged to restore order on social media platforms by targeting individuals misusing these spaces to demean public leaders and spread harmful content. Speaking at a prayer service for police officers at the National Police College, Embakasi A Campus, Murkomen warned that the government will arrest and prosecute those violating Kenya’s cybercrime laws.

Social media apps on a phone. /SEARCH ENGINE LAND