Regionally, Kenya has not witnessed as many full-scale shutdowns as some of its neighbors, the regional trend across Africa reveals a worrying pattern of governments weaponizing connectivity blackouts to stifle dissent, disrupt protests, or control information during politically sensitive moments.
In 2024, the African continent recorded one of the highest numbers of internet disruptions in recent years. Countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Senegal resorted to shutting down or throttling internet access multiple times, often during elections, civil unrest, or security operations. For example, Senegal’s internet blackout during protests in 2023 was later ruled illegal by the ECOWAS Court, setting a critical precedent for digital rights in West Africa. The ruling emphasized that access to the internet is a fundamental human right, essential for freedom of expression and access to information.
These disruptions, while aimed at maintaining control, have proven economically damaging. The World Economic Forum estimates that Africa lost over $2 billion due to shutdowns in 2024 alone. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which depend heavily on mobile money and e-commerce, bore the brunt of these losses. Connectivity interruptions also impact health services, education, and emergency communications sectors increasingly reliant on stable internet access.
While Kenya is yet to experience full-scale internet blackouts, we have seen instances of slowed or disrupted access during protests and security incidents. In late 2024, suspicions arose around a nationwide internet slowdown coinciding with political tensions, though authorities cited technical faults as the cause. These incidents raised alarms among digital rights activists who caution against any form of connectivity restriction that could harm citizens’ rights and livelihoods.
Encouragingly, Kenya’s judiciary has begun asserting its role in protecting digital access. In early 2025, the High Court issued an injunction against arbitrary internet shutdowns, responding to petitions from civil society groups. This move aligns Kenya with growing regional and global legal standards that view connectivity as a constitutional right.
Lessons for Kenya from Africa’s 2025 Shutdowns
Kenya can draw several critical lessons from the recent wave of internet shutdowns across Africa in 2025, turning these regional challenges into opportunities to strengthen its own digital democracy.
1. Legal Precedents are a Powerful Shield
The condemnation of Senegal’s shutdown by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice highlights the growing power of regional legal frameworks in defending digital rights. This is not just a foreign lesson; it’s a principle Kenya has powerfully affirmed at home.
The recent landmark ruling by the High Court of Kenya to bar internet shutdowns provides a robust domestic foundation. This local victory, much like the ECOWAS decision, establishes a powerful legal barrier against arbitrary government action. The key lesson is to continuously reinforce these precedents. Kenya’s legal community can build on this ruling by pushing for legislation that codifies the strict necessity and proportionality tests required for any restriction, ensuring that connectivity is treated as a fundamental right, not a privilege.
2. The Staggering Economic Cost Cannot Be Ignored
Shutdowns inflict severe and immediate damage on a nation’s economy. The abstract concept of “economic disruption” translates into tangible losses for Kenyans. Policymakers must recognize that restricting connectivity paralyzes the very heart of the modern Kenyan economy. The economic self-harm caused by a shutdown far outweighs any perceived short-term security benefit.
3. Demand Transparency and Accountability
Across the continent, governments often justify shutdowns using vague and unproven claims of “national security” or “preventing fake news.” This tactic of invoking broad security concerns without specific evidence must be challenged.
Kenya should lead by example. The authorities must commit to a transparent and accountable process before any restriction is considered. This isn’t just about political goodwill but a legal requirement involving:
- Parliamentary Oversight: Requiring legislative approval for any network restriction.
- Independent Judicial Review: Ensuring the court can scrutinize the government’s justification against strict legal standards.
- Public Justification: Forcing the government to provide a detailed, public explanation of the specific threat being addressed.
4. Build a Resilient and Decentralized Internet
Technical resilience is another crucial defense. Relying on a centralized internet infrastructure makes a country more vulnerable to state-controlled shutdowns. The lesson from other African nations is that proactive investment in a more robust and decentralized network pays dividends during crises.
Kenya should prioritize:
- Promoting Community Networks: Supporting local, community-owned internet infrastructure that is harder for a central authority to switch off.
- Investing in Diverse Infrastructure: Reducing dependence on a few submarine cables or single points of failure.
- Increasing Technical Literacy: Educating citizens on tools like VPNs and decentralized messaging apps that can help maintain communication lines if the primary internet is throttled.
5. Empower Citizens Through Digital Rights Education
An informed citizenry is the best defense against digital authoritarianism. When people understand their digital rights, they are better equipped to challenge overreach and protect their access to information. By empowering its citizens, Kenya not only safeguards its own digital future but also sets a powerful example for the entire continent.
Kenya’s position as a regional technology hub depends on guaranteeing uninterrupted access to digital services. With elections looming in late 2025, the country faces a test of whether it can resist the temptation to restrict connectivity as a means of political control.
Civil society, media, and tech innovators are already mobilizing to safeguard access. Efforts include pushing for legal reforms that enshrine connectivity as a constitutional right, monitoring network performance during sensitive periods, and educating users on digital security.