Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament Zaheer Jhanda has announced plans to push for a law that would change how social media content creators operate in Kenya. Jhanda wants the government to regulate influencers, requiring them to have university degrees before they can discuss professional topics like law, finance, health, or education.
He announced on Tuesday, October 28, stating that he intends to sponsor a bill that ensures only qualified individuals can share professional opinions online. According to him, this move will help curb misinformation that has become widespread on platforms such as TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
Jhanda argued that while freedom of expression is protected, it should not be misused by individuals spreading false or misleading information without accountability. He compared Kenya’s current situation to China’s new strict regulations on online content creators, saying that the country must take similar steps to protect its citizens.
Social Media Influencers Degrees Bill
Zaheer Jhanda revealed that his upcoming bill will compel influencers who speak about professional matters to hold degrees in the respective fields. For example, those who discuss law must have a law degree and be recognized by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), while those offering financial advice should be licensed accountants under the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
The MP said the proposed law will also ensure that content creators are accountable to professional bodies just like mainstream journalists and other regulated professions.
“We cannot have a country where everyone is an expert,” Jhanda said. “They must be recognised by professional bodies such as the Law Society of Kenya, ICPAK, and the Media Council of Kenya.”
He added that the bill is meant to restore professionalism and credibility in online discussions that touch on critical sectors of the economy. “Social media has become a powerful tool. But when unqualified people use it to give legal or medical advice, it puts millions at risk,” he warned.
Jhanda also hinted that the bill may require influencers to disclose their qualifications on their social media profiles when posting about professional matters. This, he said, will help the public identify credible sources of information.
China’s Influence on Jhanda’s Proposal
Jhanda said he drew inspiration from China’s recent decision to tighten control over online influencers. According to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), new rules that took effect on October 25, 2025, require influencers to prove their qualifications before discussing sensitive topics online.
The Chinese law demands influencers to show proof of expertise—such as degrees, licenses, or certifications—when posting about law, medicine, education, or finance. It also requires them to identify when they use artificial intelligence to generate content and prohibits them from promoting health-related products disguised as educational material.
Jhanda believes Kenya should adopt similar policies to prevent misinformation from spreading. “I am borrowing a leaf from one of the most advanced nations, China,” he said. “If China can control misleading content in a population of over one billion, Kenya can do the same for its 50 million people.”
He argued that misinformation from unqualified influencers has led to widespread confusion and financial losses among Kenyans. “People are losing money and making dangerous health decisions based on lies spread by people with no background in those fields,” he said.
Mixed Reactions from Kenyans
Jhanda’s remarks have triggered intense debate among Kenyans online. Some citizens support the idea, saying it will promote professionalism and protect the public from misleading advice. Others, however, see it as an attempt to control freedom of expression and limit creativity.
Critics argue that social media is a free space where ideas flow from different perspectives and that introducing academic qualifications could stifle innovation. Some influencers also fear the move could push smaller creators out of the industry.
Supporters, on the other hand, insist that unchecked misinformation has caused real harm, especially in sectors such as health and finance, where people rely on unverified online advice.
As the country waits for the proposed bill to reach Parliament, one thing is clear—Zaheer Jhanda’s push for mandatory Social Media Influencers Degrees has already ignited a national conversation about the need to balance free speech with accountability in Kenya’s digital space.
If approved, Jhanda’s proposal could make Kenya one of the first African countries to enforce academic and professional standards for influencers, signaling a major shift in how online content is regulated.
