Breaking: Internet disruptions reported in Kenya hours after govt denied attempts to shutdown service

Amid a youth-led and social media-fueled protest in Kenya, Global Internet Observatory, Netblocks has reported major internet disruptions in the East African country. This was revealed by the observatory via a tweet in which it confirmed the impact of service disruptions is also felt in neighbouring countries.

“Confirmed: Live network data show a major disruption to internet connectivity in #Kenya; the incident comes amidst a deadly crackdown by police on #RejectFinanceBill2024 protesters a day after authorities claimed there would be no internet shutdown. The ongoing internet disruption has impacted Kenya as well as neighbouring countries including Uganda and Burundi; the incident is likely to limit coverage of events on the ground where protests are held.”

This is coming hours after authorities in the country pledged not to shut down the internet in East Africa’s largest economy. The assurance was given by director general and CEO of Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) David Mugonyi Communications ahead of fresh polls to decide the matter set for Tuesday.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the authority has no intention whatsoever to shut down internet traffic or interfere with the quality of connectivity. Such actions would sabotage our fast-growing digital economy as internet connectivity supports thousands of livelihoods across the country,” Mugonyi told reporters.

See also: Finance Bill Protest: Kenyan authorities will not shutdown internet as police smoke protesters

The youths, mostly members of Generation Z, are protesting over taxation and other overbearing demands stipulated in the country’s new Finance Bill currently being considered by the country’s parliament. Of note is that the digital tax bill targets not only digital companies but also individuals earning a living off digital means. 

Various individuals, organisations and critics believe the requirements of the bill will increase the tax burden on individuals.

Using social media, the aggrieved youths mobilized and planned coordinated demonstrations across the country. Through social media the movement, tagged #RejectFinanceBill2024, had gathered momentum with more youths in more parts of the country hitting the streets to demonstrate their ire against a bill targeted against them.

With social media and the Internet propelling the protests, there were fears that the government would resort to shutting down the internet as is typical in African countries. Despite the assurances by DG, David Mugonyi, it seems services have been shut down in major parts of the country.

Kenya’s Finance Bill protest

The development also comes as the government appears to be resorting to brute force to quell what is turning out to be an uprising. According to various reports and live videos, police in the country have fired tear gas, rubber bullets and water canisters to disperse protesters in the capital, Nairobi.

A CNN report showed Auma Obama, a supposed half-sister of former American president, Barack Obama getting gassed along with protesters as she tried to speak to the press.

The police are reportedly engaging in running battles with protesters, chasing them down the street and generally restricting them from the parliamentary area where MPs are set to vote on the adoption of the Finance Bill. As a result, businesses have been shut down, transportation has been disrupted and general economic activities paralysed.

After members of the parliament reportedly voted in favour of the highly controversial bill, thousands of protesters have broken through police barricades into the parliamentary building. A section of the building is reportedly on fire while several vehicles have been set ablaze. With the internet disrupted, one could expect fewer details to emerge from the country. There are also fears that the government might be mobilizing soldiers to shoot at protesters.

Kenyan president, William Ruto had previously towed back some controversial parts of the bill, insisting that new taxes are required to reduce tax burden and fund new projects. The young people are, however, not having it and are calling on the members of parliament to reject the bill in its entirety.