The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has ordered a temporary block on Telegram, instructing telecommunications providers to restrict access during Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam hours.
This move targets the app’s use in exam-related malpractice, as Telegram allows for anonymous information sharing.
Starting this week, Kenyan users, especially those on Safaricom’s network, experienced limited access to the platform, a disruption confirmed by internet watchdog NetBlocks.
The CA’s directive mandates that telcos block Telegram from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on weekdays, with the restriction set to remain until exams conclude on November 22.
A letter from CA to Safaricom, Telkom Kenya, Jamii Telecom, and Airtel Kenya indicated frustration with Telegram’s limited cooperation compared to other social media platforms, which have reportedly taken steps to address misuse.
CA pointed out that last year’s restriction on Telegram resulted in arrests, with six administrators of exam-related channels detained for sharing leaked materials.
The economic impact of blocking Telegram is significant; a similar ban last November was estimated to have cost KSh 4.2 billion.
Despite controversies, Telegram remains popular due to features like large-group channels and end-to-end encryption, which make it a favored choice for private communication worldwide.
However, these features have also drawn scrutiny, as the platform’s encryption can bypass state oversight.
Blocking Telegram during exam periods has become routine in Kenya, as authorities try to address academic malpractice in the digital age, though the government acknowledges that such issues predate the app’s rise in popularity.
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