Telegram Down in Kenya: Govt Blocks App During KCSE 2025 Exams

In a bid to curb cheating during the current Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2025 examinations, the Kenyan government has imposed a restriction on Telegram within the country. This measure has been corroborated by NetBlocks, an organization that monitors internet shutdowns, censorship, and disruptions through real-time data.

For the past year, the Kenyan government has expressed concerns regarding the online leakage of alleged KCSE 2025 past papers, specifically noting their distribution on Telegram and WhatsApp.

Background: Why the Government Targeted Telegram

Every year, the Kenyan government targets Telegram due to its role as a platform for exam malpractice, particularly in the selling and distribution of alleged exam papers.

To combat cheating, the government has identified 51 Telegram channels, yet only 18 have been flagged. This leaves a considerable number of channels still allegedly selling exam papers.

Telegram's anonymous nature is a key factor in exam leaks, as channel administrators can remain unidentified, unlike platforms such as WhatsApp, where accounts are linked to phone numbers.

Telegram channels are perfect for sellers aiming to connect with an expansive audience, as they enable broadcasting messages to an unrestricted number of subscribers.

The platform is also very effective in sharing files, including images (photos of exam papers) and PDFs, with these large groups instantly.

Last year, the government blocked Telegram channels due to similar leaks, a move mirroring the current situation. exam papers.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo had announced a nationwide crackdown on exam leakage cartels. He reactivated the National Command Center for examinations, which will be responsible for real-time surveillance and response across the country.

The government has implemented real-time tracking measures to combat exam irregularities. A newly established center will enable the government to monitor and evaluate information in real time, facilitating timely interventions where necessary. 

Building on last year's initiative, high-tech padlocks are again being utilized in containers for real-time tracking, a trend that continues to curb cheating this year.

Extent of the Outage: What Users are Experiencing

If you're experiencing a Telegram connection outage, where the app isn't loading and constantly shows "connecting," consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access the app. This is especially useful if Telegram is your main communication platform.

A paid VPN is highly recommended to protect your data from leaks. Free VPNs, however, come with several risks, including malware, spyware, weak encryption, and data breaches. They also tend to offer slow speeds, unreliable connections, and lack customer support, leaving you without assistance in case of an outage. The Telegram outage issues affect both smartphones and desktops.

Other platforms, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, remain functional with no issues at all.

Impact on Students and Daily Communication

During the KCSE period, the Kenyan Government frequently targets Telegram. This action, aimed at preventing the sale of alleged exam leaks, disrupts communication for both those involved in cheating and innocent students who rely on the platform for legitimate study groups.

The outage will disrupt teacher coordination and parent communication, and this may lead some users to free VPNs, a risky option that often logs data, contains malware, and offers limited performance.

Also, the government's efforts to curb cheating inadvertently harm legitimate online businesses that depend on the platform for their livelihood.

Government and ISP Response

We await official communication from the government, via the Communication Authority of Kenya, regarding this issue, as they have not yet responded.

It is worth noting that during a similar block in 2024, the government mandated specific outage times (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM) to coincide with exam papers. While users are reporting outages today, it remains to be seen if the government will follow the same specific schedule for 2025.

Final Thoughts: Temporary Pain for long-term Farness

This initiative seeks to reduce exam cheating while balancing national exam integrity and digital rights. However, the government is employing a disproportionate “sledgehammer” approach that causes significant social harm and can be easily circumvented.

The true long-term solution is not to shut down the internet to secure exams at their source and to hold officials who leak exams accountable.

We understand this outage has been disruptive. We encourage your patience and recommend using alternative methods, such as a premium VPN network, which will work well.