Kenya Communications Authority (CA) has directed telecom operators to temporarily block Telegram in an effort to counter exam cheating. The restriction, targeting the popular messaging platform’s accessibility during national examination hours, aims to prevent students from circulating answers and other exam-related content. Major telecom providers, including Safaricom and Airtel Kenya, have reportedly complied, implementing access limitations across their networks.
On Friday, the monitoring organisation Netblocks reported interruptions on Safaricom’s network, consistent with previous Telegram restrictions. Kenya imposed a similar ban in November 2023, resulting in reported business losses totalling around KSh 4.2bn ($32.55 million), as companies reliant on Telegram faced connectivity issues.
In a letter dated October 31, the CA outlined its request to Safaricom, Telkom Kenya, Jamii Telecom, and Airtel Kenya to restrict Telegram’s access during specific hours: 7:00–10:00 am and 1:00–4:00 pm on weekdays, coinciding with exam sessions until November 22. The CA cited that while most social media platforms have collaborated to curb misuse, Telegram has been notably resistant.
Telegram’s policy shifts, however, suggest a more nuanced stance on regulatory matters. Following a major incident in 2023, where six Telegram group administrators were arrested for exam malpractice, the platform updated its privacy policies in September 2024. Telegram now allows authorities limited access to user data, including IP addresses and phone numbers, when investigating criminal activity. This change came after founder Pavel Durov’s arrest in France, sparking debates around Telegram’s global regulatory obligations.
Despite these policy adjustments, Telegram’s user base continues to grow rapidly, approaching 1 billion active users worldwide. Known for its robust encryption and ability to host massive group chats, Telegram often finds itself at the heart of free speech versus regulation debates. Countries such as Russia, China, and Kenya take markedly different stances on how platforms like Telegram should operate, especially in the context of national security and educational integrity.
Kenya’s annual bans of Telegram during exams illustrate the ongoing tension between upholding free communication and enforcing regulatory control. As such efforts impact businesses and users alike, questions around balancing digital freedoms with social accountability remain unresolved.
