Why Telegram is Suddenly Unreachable in Kenya

This week, countless Telegram users in Kenya started facing endless connection issues, stalled messages, and an unusable experience. Being a frequent user, I tried everything from reinstalling the app to restarting my device, but nothing worked.

Finally, I resorted to using a VPN, which solved the issue and revealed the real reason—a government-imposed restriction on Telegram. It’s not the first time this has happened.

Exam Cheating Concerns Lead to Temporary Ban

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) restricted Telegram in response to ongoing KCSE exams, which began on November 4. In a letter to mobile network operators, CA requested that Telegram’s operations be limited during exam hours—7:00 am to 10:00 am and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm—to reduce exam cheating.

The move came after government agencies reported that Telegram was being used to spread exam-related materials.

Ensuring fair exams is important, but a blanket restriction on Telegram penalizes millions of everyday users. If the government is willing to block Telegram now, what’s stopping similar moves on other platforms in the future?

Telegram’s Rising Popularity and Global Backlash

Telegram has become Kenya’s fifth most popular social app, following giants like WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. It’s essential for connecting with communities, growing small businesses, and sharing information.

However, Telegram’s global reputation has also stirred controversy. Several European countries, including Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Norway, and Spain, have limited or banned the app, pointing to “disinformation, ” extremism, and security concerns.

How to Get Back Online with Telegram

If you’re one of the frustrated Telegram users looking to stay connected, a VPN is a quick fix. After trying various options, I found NordVPN particularly reliable for getting around restrictions such as the recent Telegram limitation while keeping my internet usage secure.

The restriction isn’t permanent. However, if you can’t wait for it to be lifted and want to return to Telegram ASAP, check out NordVPN using my affiliate link and get a special 74% Black Friday discount on me.

The Bigger Picture of Internet Freedom in Kenya

Maintaining the integrity of exams is vital, but blocking access to a major platform has severe implications for online freedom. The right to an open internet should be safeguarded, and restrictions should ideally not be an option.

Exams aren’t life and death, and many more effective measures could be implemented to curb cheating. Shutting down online services like Telegram is overkill, if not unnecessary.

Also, many online channels other than Telegram could be used for “sharing exam materials.” Does this mean we have to shut down the internet in the country whenever students sit for exams?

The move to block Telegram risks setting a dangerous precedent that could encourage future internet shutdowns to control the flow of information by rogue government agents.