Kenya Won’t Shut Down Internet During Finance Bill Protests

Kenya Finance Bill protests internet:The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has refuted the claims that there are plans to shut down the internet ahead and during Tuesday’s anti-Finance Bill protests. 

The protest going on in Kenya is expressed with a wave of peaceful demonstrations across the country. 

However, fear mounts in the country as police violently crack down on citizens taking to the streets to protest a government bill to hike taxes despite tough economic times and widespread corruption. 

Kenya Finance Bill Protests Internet

Kenyan youths also accused the government of shutting down the internet to limit the spread of the protest. 

Protesters have been using social platforms such as X and TikTok to publicize their concerns over the high cost of living, taxation, unwarranted debt accumulation and the rampant misuse of public resources by the political class, among other issues. 

Some users have claimed they were experiencing slow internet connections.

NetBlocks said, “Live network data show a major disruption to internet connectivity in Kenya; the incident comes amidst a deadly crackdown by police on #RejectFinanceBill2024 protesters”

In a statement, CA Director General David Mugonyi acknowledged fears Kenyans youths raised regarding the matter. However, he said the government has no such plans.

The statement read, “The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) has received inquiries regarding an imminent Internet shutdown on Tuesday, 25th June 2024.”

Also Read: Kenyan Youth Harness Tech to Amplify #RejectFinanceBill2024 Movement

“However, the Authority has no intention whatsoever to shut down internet traffic or interfere with the quality of connectivity.”

He further highlighted that to stop the internet is to violate freedom of expression. 

Government Urges Kenyan Youths To Use The Internet Safely

Mugonyi assured the youths that the government was committed to ensuring that the digital economy strives. However, he urged Kenyans to use the social platforms with respect and within the confines of the law. 

He said, “Further, such actions would also sabotage our fast-growing digital economy as Internet connectivity supports thousands of livelihoods across the country.”

“However, we urge Kenyans to use the digital space with respect to all and within the confines of the law.”