The Ministry of Interior has issued new directives to popular social media companies X (formerly Twitter) owned by Elon Musk and Meta-owned platforms Facebook and Instagram.
In a statement on Thursday, January 16, Interior PS Raymond Omollo stated that these companies must set up physical offices in Kenya to enhance accountability and address the increasing misuse of social media platforms.
“To ensure responsibility and accountability in the face of rising disinformation, social media manipulation, and online abuse, all social media organizations operating in the country must establish a physical presence within our jurisdiction,” read the statement in part.
PS Raymond Omollo who was speaking during a meeting with telecommunications companies and social media platform representatives said the increasing misuse of social media need immediate actions.
“The increasing misuse of social media, including harassment, hate speech and incitement to violence, necessitates immediate and decisive measures,” he said.
Kenya Demands Local Offices for Facebook and X
He added, “Strict compliance with this requirement is expected with telecommunications providers and platform owners required to take stronger action against criminal activities online.”
This decision is also set to affect other popular social media platforms such as TikTok YouTube, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Snapchat.
The directive comes after senior government officials and a section of politicians have complained about the misuse of social media, particularly among Kenyan youth.
Also Read: Ex-DCI Officer Linked to Abduction Squad Takes Action Against Social Media Users
Ruto Hits Out on Social Media Users
At the beginning of the year, President William Ruto warned that the country’s moral fabric is at risk of decay if the manipulation of the digital spaces, more especially that of social media, is going to continue.
The Head of State noted that some Kenyans are misusing social media platforms to amplify anti-social behaviors which to him are eroding moral values.
He would later ask them to stop the use of images placed in caskets to criticize him but instead use digital creativity to earn income.
“I want to ask those who are using digital spaces to criticize the government not to be used by selfish politicians to put images of leaders in graves and coffins,” Ruto said.
Leaders in support of President William Ruto have continued to dismiss his critics, putting an all-out war on social media users who have lost faith in the Head of State.
Also Read: Meta to Introduce New Moderation Changes Before Trump Takes Office
William Kabogo on Misuse of Online Platforms
Incoming ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has also proposed measures to curb the misuse of social media, including the possibility of banning individuals who spread hate speech and engage in other harmful online behaviors.
“My first directive to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is to explore how this can be regulated. We have technical experts with the experience to address these issues. I plan to meet with them on my first or second day in office to establish a direct and clear approach to tackling this problem,” he stated.
“Cognizant of the fact that there is freedom of expression in Kenya, and we have to strike a balance so that the freedom of one is not used to infringe on the freedom of others.”
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates
