The government has called out the United States for dispatching a statement that claimed that Kenya was a signatory of the Declaration for the Future of the Internet.
In a statement dated Friday, April 29, released by the government spokesperson, Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna, the government denied being a signatory to the document as claimed on the White House website.
Oguna cited steps that needed to be undertaken before the country appends a signature to an international document.
"While we are listed as a signatory to the declaration, we wish to state that, as a country, we have not gone through our processes and laws for endorsing this declaration.
"As per our laws, Kenya can only be a signatory to any international instrument after Cabinet approval, and ratification by the National Assembly," read the statement in part.
However, the government acknowledged that there were ongoing discussions over the document.
"The said declaration is going through review and based on the outcome of the process, Kenya will be able to state her position on
the matter. As such, the listing of Kenya as a signatory is erroneous," read the statement in part.
Declaration for the Future of the Internet is a document that calls for political commitment to the promotion of internet connectivity and democracy on the internet globally.
Those committed to the document agreed to uphold democracy on the internet and oppose practices such as the shutting down of the internet, and state-sponsored propaganda on online platforms among others.
Additionally, the document calls on countries globally to promote the security of personal data among internet users.
"The partners in this declaration intend to uphold a range of key principles, set out below, regarding the Internet and digital technologies; to promote these principles within existing multilateral and multi-stakeholders.
"Translate these principles into concrete policies and actions; and, work together to promote this vision globally, while respecting each other’s regulatory autonomy within our own jurisdictions and in accordance with our respective domestic laws and international legal obligations," reads the declaration in part.
