Kenya Pledges No Internet Shutdown Amid Finance Bill Protests, But Police Use Tear Gas on Demonstrators

Gate News message, April 16 — Kenya’s Communications Authority has pledged not to shut down internet services amid ongoing youth-led protests against the country’s proposed Finance Bill. Director General and CEO David Mugonyi made the assurance ahead of fresh parliamentary votes on the legislation scheduled for Tuesday.

Mugonyi stated that disrupting internet connectivity would sabotage Kenya’s digital economy and violate the constitution and freedom of expression. However, despite the pledge, police have deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse protesters in the capital, Nairobi. Running battles between officers and demonstrators have resulted in business closures, transportation disruptions, and widespread economic paralysis.

Generation Z activists have mobilized through social media under the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024 to oppose the legislation, which includes a controversial digital tax targeting both digital companies and individuals earning income through digital means. Critics argue the bill will increase the overall tax burden. While President William Ruto previously removed some contentious provisions, the movement continues calling for complete rejection. Some government officials, including John Tanui, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Information and Communication Technology, have acknowledged the youth’s concerns as legitimate.