This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
February 1, 2018, marked a significant day in Kenya's history as the government attempted to flex its muscles by shutting down TV stations. However, this move was met with a clever response from the media, which turned to live streaming to circumvent the ban.
Despite this setback, the government's intentions were clear: to exert control over the media and information flow. However, this goal is fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to the internet.
One of the primary reasons the government cannot shut down the internet is the impact it would have on mobile money transfer services, a multibillion-dollar industry in Kenya. This would cripple the economy, affecting not only ordinary citizens but also the government's own financiers.
Furthermore, wire transfer services, which rely on the internet, would also be severely affected. This would not only impact the government's operations but also those of international organizations and foreign embassies, which rely on the internet to communicate with their home countries.
Kenya's security also relies heavily on the internet, making a shutdown a serious threat to national security. Moreover, the internet has revolutionized the way people do business in Kenya, with mobile platforms handling transactions and payments.
Given these factors, the probability of the government shutting down the internet is zero. This would be akin to shooting oneself in the foot, and the government would do well to consider the consequences of such an action.
