Kenya has lifted restrictions on the popular messaging platform Telegram after the completion of national secondary school examinations, Afcacia has learnt.
The temporary ban, which had sparked controversy among digital rights activists, was implemented during the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations to prevent cheating. The restrictions were part of broader measures to maintain examination integrity.
A check on the Telegram app showed that it resumed normal functioning on November 23, after the exams ended on November 22.
The messaging app, which has over 5 million users in Kenya, had been partially restricted since early November, with users reporting difficulties accessing certain features and channels. Most Kenyans accessed it via VPNs.
Digital rights groups had criticized the move as disproportionate, arguing it infringed on citizens’ communication rights. The restrictions particularly affected small businesses and content creators who rely on the platform for their livelihoods.
Education officials defended the temporary measure, citing a significant reduction in examination malpractices compared to previous years.
The lifting of the ban marks a return to normal digital communications in East Africa’s largest economy, where messaging apps play a crucial role in daily business and social interactions.