2024 Internet Shutdowns Cost Kenya US$75mn, 511 hours- Report

In 2024, Kenya experienced significant disruptions to internet access, with government-mandated shutdowns. These outages, which affected millions of internet users, were part of a broader trend of digital interference observed globally.

According to a report by Top10VPN, internet shutdowns collectively cost economies more than $7.6 billion in 2024, with Kenya alone losing $75 million and enduring 511 hours of downtime during the November Telegram shutdown.

The report further notes that, during the Anti-Finance Bill protests on June 25th internet shutdown, suspected to be a tactic to censor communication amidst allegations of human rights violations. The seven-hour internet slowdown cost Kenya approximately $4.08 million. Activists and human rights groups decried the move as a violation of digital rights and an attempt to suppress dissent. In the aftermath, public trust in major ISPs, particularly Safaricom PLC, suffered a blow.

The second major disruption occurred in late October when the government directed telcos to throttle Telegram, citing concerns over the platform’s misuse to compromise national examination integrity. The three-week restriction, which severely limited access to the popular messaging platform, cost the economy $70.937 million. Telegram has become an essential tool for communication in Kenya, often used for political activism and community organization. The restriction drew sharp criticism from civil society, with many viewing it as a disproportionate response that stifled free expression and disrupted businesses reliant on the platform.

Both the June and the Telegram outage in late October highlight the growing tension between digital rights, state control of information, and the economic consequences of internet disruptions.

Kenya’s 2024 shutdowns reflect a global trend where governments increasingly resort to internet interference during periods of political unrest, elections, or other sensitive events. Top10VPN’s report also notes that Africa and Asia experienced the longest durations of such shutdowns, with Sub-Saharan Africa alone losing $1.56 billion.

In Kenya, these actions not only undermined digital rights but also caused substantial economic losses, hampered business operations, and strained relationships between the government and the public. Internet shutdowns represent extreme forms of internet censorship. Beyond economic losses, these actions erode trust in digital infrastructure, inhibit democratic rights to communication, and curtail individual freedoms.

The increasing prevalence of internet shutdowns in Kenya raises questions about the future of the country’s digital rights. While the government cites security and social order as justification for these measures, critics argue that they often mask attempts to stifle dissent and limit access to information.

The events of 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of digital rights in Kenya and the broader implications of unchecked government control over the digital space. As the country moves forward, safeguarding digital freedoms will be essential to preserving democracy and fostering inclusive development in the digital age.

Source: Kenyawallstreet.com