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Telegram, one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, remains inaccessible in Kenya after a government ban aimed at curbing exam cheating.

The move, announced by the Ministry of Education and implemented in collaboration with the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), has sparked heated debates about digital governance, censorship, and the platform’s broader societal impact.

Telegram was temporarily banned in the beginning of November as Kenya prepared for its national examinations, a period that often sees rampant cases of exam leakages and cheating scandals. In 2023, Telegram was blocked for over a week, ostensibly to prevent exam cheating.

The platform’s encryption and vast reach made it a prime tool for sharing leaked exam materials in private groups and channels. CA argued that the crackdown was necessary to preserve the integrity of the country’s education system, with Director General David Mugonyi emphasizing that drastic steps were unavoidable in combating exam malpractice.

“By this letter, all mobile network operators are hereby directed to use all available mechanisms to suspend the operation of Telegram Inc in the country particularly during the administration of the KCSE examinations between 7:00 am and 10:00 am in the morning and from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the afternoon from Friday until November 22, 2024,” part of CA’s statement read.

While the ban achieved its immediate objective of disrupting the illicit distribution of exam materials, it also inadvertently highlighted other darker uses of Telegram in Kenya.

A platform misused for fraud and porn

Telegram’s unique features—such as large group capacities, secret chats, and relative anonymity—have made it a double-edged sword in Kenya. Beyond exam cheating, the platform has been linked to the proliferation of pornographic content and financial scams.

Channels and groups hosting explicit content, often featuring non-consensual or illegal material, thrive on Telegram. In Kenya, such groups have been used to distribute and monetize pornographic content, with administrators charging users for access.

The unregulated nature of the platform has made it difficult to track and shut down these operations, raising concerns about exploitation and the exposure of minors to harmful material.

Telegram is also notorious for facilitating financial scams. Fraudsters create fake investment schemes, impersonate businesses, or sell counterfeit products, taking advantage of the platform’s lax verification mechanisms.

In Kenya, cases of individuals losing money to bogus cryptocurrency schemes or fake job advertisements circulated on Telegram are alarmingly common.

Violation of digital rights

The Kenyan government now finds itself in a difficult position. While the Telegram ban served as a quick fix for exam-related issues, it also disrupted legitimate uses of the app. Entrepreneurs, content creators, and businesses that rely on Telegram for communication and marketing have suffered, sparking calls for the ban to be lifted.

Critics argue that banning an entire platform is a disproportionate response that punishes law-abiding users. Instead, they propose stricter digital policing, improved cybersecurity measures, and partnerships with Telegram’s parent company to monitor illegal activities without infringing on the rights of innocent users.

In their joint statement, civil society groups, led by KICTANet, called on the government to immediately lift the ban. They argued for lawful alternatives to address exam malpractice, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international human rights standards and the principles of the Global Digital Compact.

“We urge the Kenyan government and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to immediately lift the Telegram ban, respect international human rights standards and the principles of the Global Digital Compact and explore alternative, lawful, and rights-respecting measures to address exam integrity issues,” David Indeje, the communications officer at KICTANet said.

Kenyans rush to VPNs to access Telegram 

Within hours of the announcement, virtual private networks (VPNs) became the talk of the town. Social media buzzed with tutorials on bypassing the ban, and VPN downloads in Kenya surged. “I couldn’t afford to miss updates from my clients,” said John Wanyama, a freelance graphic designer. “So, I installed a VPN, and it’s like nothing ever happened.”

The sweeping nature of the ban angered many, especially those who relied on the app for legitimate purposes such as international business, remote work and global social interactions. “My concern is if you can bypass the ban with a VPN then what exactly is the reason?” wondered Jorum Odiemo, a member of KICTANet.

Meanwhile, Telegram itself remained active for those willing to sidestep the restrictions. Students, businesses, and activists continued to communicate, using VPNs to stay connected. “The government blocked access, but they didn’t block innovation,” joked Amina Nduta, a university student.

“Is blocking Telegram year in year out going to solve national exams leakage/cheating? Or is it just a lazy way of trying to look like you are doing something to curb the cheating while indeed there are many other platforms that work in a similar way that candidates can use to achieve the vice?” wondered Kelvin Kariuki, a computing lecturer at Multimedia University.

“If we continue to encourage this, the next thing they’ll block is the entire internet as they are aware that blocking platforms is easily bypassed by VPNs which is a well known strategy by the perpetrators of exam leaks.”

For now, as hashtags like #DigitalRightsKE gain momentum, Kenyans are finding their own ways to keep their digital lives alive—ban or no ban.

This defiance raises deeper questions: Does a ban on digital platforms achieve its intended goals, or does it merely push users toward alternative solutions?

When will the Telegram ban end?

Government officials have remained vague about the duration of the ban. The Ministry of Education hinted that the platform could be reinstated once the exam period concludes  on November 22 and measures are in place to prevent future misuse. However, no specific timeline has been provided.

Moreover, the broader issues of pornography and fraud may prolong the ban. Authorities are reportedly considering negotiations with Telegram to establish stricter content moderation and cooperation in tracking criminal activities. Telegram’s response to these overtures will likely determine when—or if—the platform can make its return to Kenya.

The Telegram ban raises larger questions about digital rights, censorship, and the responsibility of tech companies. As Kenya grapples with these challenges, the need for a balanced approach becomes evident. While combating crime and preserving integrity are critical, the government must also protect citizens’ rights to access technology and information.

For now, Kenyans can only wait for clarity on when Telegram will return—and how the platform, the government, and its users will address its darker underbelly moving forward.