Gov't Directs All Social Media Companies Operating in Kenya to Establish Physical Offices

The Ministry of Interior has initiated steps to address the rising concerns over the misuse of social media.

In a statement dated Thursday, January 16, the Ministry announced that Interior PS Raymond Omollo met with representatives of the social media platforms and telecommunication companies.

At the meeting, the PS raised government concerns over increasing cases of misinformation and hate speech.

As a result, social companies in the country were directed to have physical offices in the country.

"To ensure responsibility and accountability in the face of rising disinformation, social media manipulation, and online abuse, all social media organizations operating in the country must establish a physical presence within our jurisdiction," read the statement in part.

To ensure responsibility and accountability in the face of rising disinformation, social media manipulation, and online abuse, all social media organizations operating in the country must establish a physical presence within our jurisdiction.

This was emphasized by the Principal… pic.twitter.com/xt1Lnr56O7

— Ministry of Interior | Kenya (@InteriorKE) January 16, 2025

"The increasing misuse of social media, including harassment, hate speech and incitement to violence, necessitates immediate and decisive measures."

The PS pushed for the companies to ensure that there is strict compliance with the law, describing recent online activities as criminal.

"Strict compliance with this requirement is expected with telecommunications providers and platform owners required to take stronger action against criminal activities online."

Notably, the move by the government comes after President William Ruto lamented the misuse of social media. He also decried the cyberbullying that some of the leaders were facing.

In particular, he raised concern over the use of AI to create images of leaders in coffins.