KICTANet, Paradigm Initiative, and Internet Society Kenya Chapter, in a joint statement, have urged the Kenyan government to refrain from implementing internet shutdowns or information controls in light of ongoing protests sparked by the #RejectFinanceBill2024 campaign.
The imposition of such measures, they argue, would not only violate fundamental rights and freedoms but also deal severe blows to Kenya’s economy, democracy, and international standing.
The call comes as protests against the Finance Bill 2024 gain momentum, with Kenyans using digital platforms to voice their dissent. Critics warn that any attempt to stifle these voices through internet blackouts would undermine constitutional rights to freedom of expression and access to information, crucial pillars of Kenya’s democracy.
Economically, the repercussions could be dire. Kenya’s burgeoning e-commerce sector, valued at Ksh 269.8 billion ($2.1 billion), would face significant disruptions. Estimates suggest a total internet outage could cost the economy Ksh 810 million ($6.3 million) in lost GDP daily. The mobile money industry, a cornerstone of Kenya’s financial system with transactions exceeding Ksh 6.4 trillion ($50 billion) annually, would also grind to a halt, affecting millions who rely on services like M-Pesa for daily transactions.
Moreover, Kenya’s reputation as a technology and innovation hub in East Africa could be tarnished, dealing setbacks to the digital startup sector, which attracted Ksh 141.3 billion ($1.1 billion) in funding in 2022.
Despite the government’s recent withdrawals of contentious clauses from the Finance Bill 2024 in response to public outcry, advocates emphasize the importance of maintaining open dialogue and respecting democratic values. They stress that transparent communication is pivotal in resolving the current crisis peacefully while safeguarding Kenya’s economic and democratic progress.
