Safaricom Blocks Telegram Access in Kenya

Safaricom, Kenya’s dominant telecommunications provider, has reportedly blocked Telegram across its network as the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations began in late October.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ordered the restriction to prevent exam cheating through leaked papers circulating on the platform.

The block mirrors identical actions in 2023 and 2024, leaving millions of users without access and forcing widespread adoption of VPNs to circumvent the restrictions.

The KCSE exams, running through late November, determine university admission for secondary school students nationwide.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) reported supervisors smuggling mobile phones and materials into exam centers, prompting the CA to order all major telecoms, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Jamii Telecommunications, to suspend Telegram during exam hours.

Technical analysis from the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) documented these blocks across multiple years.

In 2023 and 2024, restrictions targeted weekdays during exam sessions from 7 AM to 10 AM and 1 PM to 4 PM. Safaricom networks (AS33771 and AS37061) and Jambonet (AS12455) used IP-level blocking, TLS interference causing connection timeouts and resets, and DNS tampering to disable access to [telegram.org](http://telegram.org), [web.telegram.org](http://web.telegram.org), and app endpoints.

The blocks frequently exceeded their stated scope.

In 2024, Telegram Web remained inaccessible on Safaricom until November 29, affecting weekends and continuing days after exams ended.

Users reported sudden disruptions without warning.

Blogger Cyprian Nyakundi posted on X: “Safaricom has reportedly blocked access to Telegram Messenger in Kenya, leaving millions of users confused and disconnected from one of their main communication apps.”

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Amerix, noted the persistence of restrictions after 2024 exams: “Kenya’s high school exams (KCSE) ended, but Safaricom continues to throttle Telegram. One day, their fall will come.” The platform serves businesses, journalists, and activists beyond student messaging.

The #KeepItOn coalition, including Access Now, sent a 2023 open letter to telecom CEOs and authorities arguing the blocks violate freedom of expression and access to information under Kenya’s Constitution (Article 35) and international human rights standards.

The letter documented disruptions beginning November 8, 2023, and noted Telegram’s importance for economic opportunity and social mobilization.

In November 2024, Access Now demanded immediate restoration, labeling the exam-hour blocks an “ongoing disruption.” The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) issued a statement condemning the shutdown as a violation of human rights and global principles against internet restrictions.

Telegram faced unrelated blocks during anti-government protests in June 2025, marking the anniversary of demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024. Multiple ISPs including Safaricom restricted the app to limit live coverage and coordination.

Network data confirmed throttling and complete inaccessibility. The CA directed media outlets to cease protest broadcasts. Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo called it an “affront to fundamental rights,” citing a court order prohibiting internet shutdowns during protests.

Safaricom has not commented publicly on the 2025 restrictions.

Past telecom statements deferred to CA directives. The CA maintains such measures protect exam integrity. Critics argue they establish precedent for broader censorship ahead of 2027 elections.

X user @SallyKendi posted in 2024: “If you guys can block Telegram because of corruption at KNEC who knows what these institutions will do in 2027?”

Users are bypassing restrictions through VPNs or switching to Airtel or Starlink. Internet penetration in Kenya exceeds 80 percent, making Telegram essential infrastructure for daily communication.

The blocks continue as exams proceed, with potential for expansion beyond current scope.