A coalition of digital rights organizations, including KICTANet, Paradigm Initiative, CIPESA, AIRA, and the Internet Society Kenya Chapter, has expressed serious concerns over the recent internet shutdown during the #RejectFinanceBill2024 demonstrations in Kenya.
On June 26, 2024, the groups highlighted that despite assurances from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) on June 24th that internet access would remain unrestricted, the events of June 25th tell a different story. The internet shutdown contradicts Kenya's constitutional provisions and international human rights laws, which protect freedoms such as expression, access to information, and peaceful assembly.
NetBlocks, a global internet observatory, confirmed an internet outage on June 25, 2024. Telecommunication companies Safaricom and Airtel attributed the disruptions to "outages on undersea cables." However, the CA Director General had previously stated that internet shutdowns would harm Kenya's digital economy and assured there were no plans to interfere with internet connectivity.
The economic impact of the disruption is significant. The Internet Society estimates that such an outage could cost Kenya's economy $6.3 million in lost GDP each day. The shutdown also affected mobile money services, credit and debit card transactions, and e-commerce platforms.
The digital rights organizations strongly condemn the arbitrary restriction of the internet. They stress that an open and accessible internet is essential for economic growth, social progress, and a robust democracy. The groups remind the government of the Access to Information Act 2016, which guarantees citizens the right to access information held by the state and other entities necessary for exercising or protecting fundamental freedoms.
Articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution protect media freedom and access to information. The Kenya Union of Journalists reported threats to shut down media outlets, noting that restricting access to information undermines transparency and fosters misinformation.
The organizations call on Safaricom, Airtel, and other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to clarify who ordered the shutdown and whether any official directives were issued. They also urge the Communications Authority to explain their role during the shutdown and how their actions aligned with their commitment to maintaining connectivity.
Lastly, the coalition urges the Government of Kenya, including the Ministry of Information, Communications & The Digital Economy, and the Ministry of Interior & National Administration, to provide a detailed explanation for the shutdown. These ministries should ensure transparency and accountability by disclosing any directives issued and their justifications. They also call on the government to reaffirm its commitment to upholding constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and peaceful assembly, and to prevent future disruptions
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