Kenyans could soon be forced to use their national ID to open or verify social media accounts under proposals of a new bill.
The Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes that all social media users provide identification before using platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, or Instagram.
If passed, the law will force platforms and internet providers to collect and store users’ ID details to stop fake accounts and online crime.
Notably, telcos are already required to obtain the full name, ID, and contact details of customers, ensure subscriber registration, and keep user data confidential unless disclosing to the Communications Authority for legal or statutory purposes.
“A person shall not create or open a social media account without verifying their identity using a registered ID or other approved document,” the bill reads in part.
The bill is sponsored by Aldai Member of Parliament (MP) Marianne Kitany.
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Fake Accounts Reported to Government
At the same time, service providers will also have to report any illegal activity or fake accounts to the Communications Authority of Kenya.
According to MP Marianne Kitany, the move is meant to boost online safety and accountability.
Additionally, the proposal seeks to amend Cap 411A of the Kenya Information and Communications Act to introduce a standardized internet billing framework.
This means that the bill wants internet service providers (ISPs) to bill customers using a metered system, just like electricity or water.
The metered billing system will be based on actual usage, ensuring transparency in data consumption charges.
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Bill Requires Customers to Have Unique Meter Numbers
If passed, ISPs will be required to assign “each customer a unique and identifiable meter number,” monitor data usage in real time, convert usage into readable invoices, and “allow for user verification of invoices.”
“An internet service provider shall operate a meter billing system which shall create invoices based on consumption,” reads the Bill in part.
The legislation also requires ISPs to submit yearly reports to the Communications Authority of Kenya on their billing systems and the issuance of internet meter numbers.
“An internet service provider licensed under this Act shall submit to the Authority information on the billing system including internet meter numbers issued to subscribers,” states section 27A(3D).
“The Bill seeks to require Internet service providers to develop and deploy quality metered billing system capable of monitoring customer usage, convert to readable details and creating invoices based on consumption,” it explains.
It aligns internet consumer protection with broader constitutional principles, noting that consumer rights fall under national government jurisdiction as per Paragraph 14 and 18 of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.
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