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A coalition of digital rights organizations has expressed deep concerns over the recent Internet shutdown in Kenya, which occurred during the #RejectFinanceBill2024 demonstrations. The shutdown, which took place on June 25, 2024, has been widely criticized as a violation of fundamental rights and freedoms.
The joint statement was issued by KICTANet, Paradigm Initiative, CIPESA, AIRA, and the Internet Society Kenya Chapter. These groups have condemned the shutdown, highlighting its adverse impact on the nation’s digital economy and democratic principles.
Despite prior assurances from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) that Internet access would remain uninterrupted during the protests, the reality on the ground was starkly different. On June 24th, the CA had confidently stated that there would be no restrictions on Internet access. However, by June 25th, the global Internet observatory NetBlocks confirmed an Internet outage affecting various parts of the country. Leading telecom companies Safaricom and Airtel attributed the disruptions to “outages on undersea cables.”
The CA Director General had previously acknowledged the detrimental effects of Internet shutdowns on Kenya’s fast-growing digital economy and had assured the public that the CA had no intention of interfering with Internet traffic. The current disruptions, however, have contradicted these assurances, leading to widespread confusion and frustration.
Economic analysts estimate that such Internet outages could cost Kenya’s economy $6.3 million in lost GDP per day. The recent disruptions severely impacted mobile money services, credit and debit card transactions, and e-commerce platforms, bringing significant portions of the economy to a standstill.
“We firmly denounce the arbitrary restriction of the Internet,” the statement read. “An open and accessible Internet is crucial for economic development, social progress, and a strong democracy.”
The rights groups emphasized that the Internet shutdown violates the Constitution of Kenya and international human rights law, which guarantee freedoms such as expression, access to information, and peaceful assembly. The Access to Information Act 2016 ensures every citizen’s right to access information held by the state and other entities, critical for the exercise or protection of fundamental freedoms.
Furthermore, the Kenya Union of Journalists reported threats to shut down certain media outlets, raising additional concerns about media freedom and access to information. Articles 34 and 35 of the Kenyan Constitution protect these rights, and restricting them undermines transparency and fosters misinformation.
The coalition has called for clarity and accountability from the Kenyan government and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). They demand that Safaricom, Airtel, and other ISPs disclose who ordered the shutdown and whether there was any official documentation or directive from the government or regulatory bodies.
Additionally, they urge the CA to clarify its role during the shutdown and how its actions aligned with its prior commitment to maintaining uninterrupted Internet access.
In their concluding remarks, the rights groups called on the Ministry of Information, Communications & The Digital Economy, and the Ministry of Interior & National Administration to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the Internet shutdown. They stressed the need for these ministries to reaffirm their commitment to upholding constitutional rights and to take necessary measures to prevent future disruptions.
As Kenya continues to navigate the complexities of digital governance and civil liberties, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the need for transparent and accountable actions that support both economic growth and democratic values.
