This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
Kenya's National Assembly ICT Committee has rejected a bill that aims to censor social media use in the country.
The bill, sponsored by Malava MP Malulu Injendi, seeks to require administrators of Facebook and WhatsApp groups to obtain licenses from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) at a fee.
According to the bill, dubbed the Kenya Information and Communication (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Commission may grant a license to establish a social media platform upon payment of a prescribed fee.
However, the ICT Committee, led by Chairperson William Kisang, has vowed to reject the bill, citing its unimplementability.
“We will call the MP after he tables the Bill and give him expert advice, we should be realistic, even if we passed the Bill it will be quashed by the courts,” Kisang said.
The proposed law also requires WhatsApp group administrators to approve members and content using legal documents, keep user data, and submit it to authorities when required.
The bill proposes fines of up to Ksh. 200,000 or a one-year jail term for contravening its provisions, as well as a fine of Sh500,000 or a two-year jail term for posting degrading or intimidating content online.
Published on September 26, 2019.
