If you are an ardent user of all popular social media apps, you may have noticed the response rate of the Telegram app has gone down in the past week.
Whether it is the loading of images or access to chats and groups, tens of Telegram users in the country have struggled to interact with the messaging app, but there is a valid reason behind this.
As it turns out, Telegram has been restricted in Kenya, thus limiting a number of the app's key functions.
The restrictions have been prompted by the recent commencement of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, which kicked off on Monday, November 4.
According to an internet observatory, Netlocks, Telegram was restricted in Kenya with their data showing the app as being down across various internet providers.
Users across the country have reported receiving several error messages while trying to interact with the app, including a "Connecting" error when trying to access the Telegram desktop.
However, a letter shared online from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) also confirmed the temporary suspension of Telegram services to quell the perpetuation of criminal activities.
In the letter directed to internet providers, CAK revealed that several government agencies reached out to ask the body to take down social media channels assisting in examination cheating. Telegram was among the most mentioned apps which was flagged for promoting the vice.
"By this letter, all mobile network operators are hereby directed to use all available mechanisms to suspend the operation of Telegram Inc in the country particularly during the administration of the KCSE examinations between 7:00 am and 10:00 am in the morning and from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the afternoon from Friday until November 22, 2024," part of CAK's statement read.
Telegram fifth most downloaded social media app in Kenya in 2024, after WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Despite its popularity, the app has had a controversial reputation, not only in Kenya but across the world. The recent detention of Telegram's co-founder and CEO Pavel Durov near Paris over an investigation into alleged offences related to the messaging app also did little to help its deteriorating name.
Governments are wary of the app, which they suspect is being used to spread disinformation, spread extremism, and in Kenya, promote examination cheating.
European countries are particularly critical of the app, with the likes of Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Norway, and Spain restricting or banning the messaging app altogether.
The move to restrict Telegram appears to have worked as cheating cases using mobile phones have dropped drastically in 2024.
On Friday, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said only 11 incidents of attempted sneaking of mobile phones were reported across the country.
While monitoring examinations in Kiambu County, the PS said this was the fewest number of cheating cases the ministry had experienced in recent times.
