Uphold Democracy, Protect Digital Progress #KeepItOn

The ICT industry speaks out at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. We mourn the loss of young Kenyans who tragically lost their lives while peacefully exercising their democratic rights. In solidarity with our national anthem’s call, we vehemently condemn the unjustified violence against peaceful protesters.

We commend the innovative spirit of Kenya’s youth, particularly Gen Z, who utilised technology to organise and amplify their voices during these protests. They have effectively voiced opposition to restrictive laws and called for national introspection.

As an industry, we provided feedback on the 2024 Finance Bill, expressing concerns over proposed legislation that could regress our digital and fintech advancements. Our stance echoes the sentiments of many in the private sector and the broader Kenyan populace.

Recent disruptions to internet connectivity in Kenya and across East Africa deeply concern us as providers of communication and financial services solutions. Regardless of differing governmental responses to protests, a blanket or partial internet shutdown is not the solution.

We advocate for open dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts. As leaders in the industry, we urge the government to engage constructively with protesters and seek resolutions that address their grievances.

While we await official updates on the recent internet disruptions, we confirm multiple international cable disconnections severely impacted bandwidth, resulting in significant network congestion and service disruption across the region. This disruption severely hindered businesses, government operations, and citizen activities, jeopardising the digital economy.

The economic repercussions of internet shutdowns are well-documented, as highlighted by the Internet Society. Yesterday’s interruption affected the entire East African region, underscoring its widespread impact on digital services and employment opportunities.

Kenya’s status as a digital hub is now at risk. The disruption undermines our efforts to foster a thriving digital economy and risks our regional competitiveness. It contradicts our vision of a Silicon Savannah and threatens digital jobs and investments.

Internet shutdowns not only harm the digital economy but also infringe on fundamental rights to access information and participate in democratic processes. Such actions undermine Kenya’s reputation as a safe haven for digital innovation and data hosting.

As industry leaders committed to an open and free internet, we emphasise the importance of uninterrupted internet access for all Kenyans. We urge the government to refrain from further disruptions and uphold our shared commitment to digital progress and democratic values.

#KeepItOn

 The Kenyan ICT Community