How Govt KCSE Crackdown on Telegram Made Kenyans Lose Ksh4.2 Billion
A study conducted by internet organizations in the United Kingdom has disclosed that Kenya experienced a financial loss exceeding Ksh4.2 billion within a span of eight days due to the government’s interference with Telegram.
As reported by NetBlock and Top10VPN, the disruption experienced on the social media platform resulted from the administration of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in November 2023.
The disturbances were said to be a component of the government’s efforts to prevent cheating in examinations.
From time to time, exam papers that have been leaked are distributed to students and educational institutions via the platform.
“Recent apprehensions in Kenya have highlighted the growing concern around the misuse of social media platforms, particularly Telegram, for leaking examination papers. Six administrators of various Telegram channels were detained for their involvement in malpractices related to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) national exams.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in a coordinated effort with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the Communications Authority of Kenya, conducted a multi-agency operation leading to these arrests,” read the report in part.
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Nevertheless, Kenyan enterprises dependent on the platform faced challenges in providing their services due to the disruptions.
According to the estimates, Kenyans were losing around Ksh525 million daily.
Moreover, the research companies advised Kenya to avoid such disruptions, emphasizing that they could harm the economy and violate constitutional rights.
“NetBlocks recommends against the use of network disruptions and social media restrictions to counter exam cheating, given their disproportionate impact to internet users including to their freedom of expression and digital prosperity,” read the statement in part.
Instead, it was suggested that the government should focus on creating technological solutions to mitigate internet shutdowns that occur during these periods.
Encouraging collaboration with educational institutions to address exam cheating was proposed as a substitute for implementing strict measures.
How Govt KCSE Crackdown on Telegram Made Kenyans Lose Ksh4.2 Billion