Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has revealed intentions to introduce a law that will regulate the increasing influence of social media influencers in Kenya.
Speaking on Tuesday, Jhanda vowed to present a bill that would impose certain qualifications on influencers who comment on professional topics such as health, finance, education, or law.
Jhanda argued that only people who have the right academic or professional qualifications should be allowed to offer advice on these matters of sensitiveness.
I am copying one of the most advanced nations, China with a population much higher than ours,” Jhanda stated. “I will bring in a Bill making influencers accountable. They must have degrees in order to discuss professional matters.”.
The MP added the move is aimed at protecting Kenyans against misinformation and encouraging accountability by creators of online content. He added that influencers giving opinions on issues professional should be certified by relevant bodies such as the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), or the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).
“Cannot have a country where everyone is an expert,” said Jhanda. “They need to be accredited by professional associations.”
Jhanda’s scheme is a replica of China’s recent experience, where authorities have tightened rules for content creators online. Under the new directives issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on October 25, influencers need to authenticate their credentials degrees, licences, or certificates before they can post or comment on matters such as law, medicine, or finance.
The Chinese regulations also mandate that influencers mark very explicitly when their posts are based on research or when they are utilizing content created by AI.
They are also not allowed to promote medical devices or supplements under the guise of educational material.
Jhanda testified that Kenya should draw a lesson from this to curb the spread of misinformation on the internet and preserve social media as a platform for verifiable, responsible communication.
