Nairobi, Kenya, November 8- Telegram has been inaccessible in Kenya, with users only able to access the platform through a VPN. The alleged reason for the blockage is to prevent cheating during the KCSE National examinations, which are purportedly being shared on Telegram
Here are some of the complaints shared by Kenyans on X platform:
@MasculinitySato – Telegram is currently down due to poor telecommunications choices. This company consistently sides with oppressive forces. They claim this outage is to prevent cheating during national exams, but their actions seem to support election fraud and tyrants. We are led by fools.
@Gesonso1 – Kama wamefikia point ya kucontrol telegram we aren’t safe anywhere
@amerix – TELEGRAM in Kenya has been down because of KCSE exams. It is stifled by DCI/CA from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. You can use STARLINK or VPN
@PropesaTV – Telegram has been blocked in Kenya to stop exam cheating during the KCSE exams. Are we really serious as a country? This is just absurd!
@C_NyakundiH – Hi @Safaricom_Care, many users are complaining they can’t load Telegram on your network for the last three days. This restricts access to information and is a violation of human rights.
The shutdown of a platform like Telegram can be viewed as a form of internet shutdown, as it restricts access to a specific communication tool. Internet shutdowns are frequently used by governments to control information, suppress dissent, or prevent the coordination of protests.
They can have wide-ranging social, economic, and political effects, impacting freedom of expression, access to information, and the ability to conduct business.
