This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
As of September 24, 2019, a Bill sponsored by Malava MP Malulu Injendi is set to be tabled in Parliament, which could significantly impact social media group administrators in Kenya.
The proposed legislation aims to regulate social media platforms by requiring group administrators to obtain clearance from the Communication Authority (CA) before setting up groups on WhatsApp and Facebook.
According to the Bill, group administrators will be responsible for the content posted on their platforms, including ensuring that users are of the age of majority and do not post offending content.
Group administrators who fail to comply with these regulations could face a fine of up to KES 200,000 or a jail term of up to one year.
The Bill also proposes that group administrators must inform the CA of their intent to form a group and provide data showing all its members, including a physical address.
“A social media user shall ensure that any content published, written or shared through the social media platform does not degrade or intimidate a recipient of the content,” reads part of The Kenya Information and Communication (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
