Kenya’s government is seeking KSh 2.7 billion ($21 million) from parliament to fund a new AI-powered system designed to monitor online conversations and track public sentiment across digital platforms.
The proposal was presented on May 25 when the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications appeared before the National Assembly’s ICT committee with a detailed budget request. The funding would support the creation of AI-driven social media sentiment analysis tools, a National Communication Center, upgrades to Kenya News Agency offices, and other ministry operations.
Government officials say the initiative is aimed at tackling misinformation, disinformation, and “malinformation.” According to the proposal, the planned National Communication Center would serve as a central hub for coordinating communication across ministries and state agencies.
Officials argue that the centre would help prevent conflicting government messages and improve public communication. Alongside the communication hub, AI software would scan social media platforms in real time to identify trending narratives, monitor public opinion, and flag content considered harmful or false.
However, critics warn that the same technology could be used for political surveillance if strict oversight measures are not introduced. Digital rights groups have already raised concerns about how the data would be collected, stored, and used by the government.
The proposal comes amid a broader push by Kenya to expand digital oversight. Last week, the government gave X a 90-day ultimatum to establish a local office in the country. Earlier this month, the proposed Statistics Bill 2026 introduced wider government data collection powers, while the Finance Bill 2026 included measures targeting crypto wallet disclosures and mandatory reporting requirements for online platforms.
Observers say the developments point to a growing effort by the government to strengthen control over digital spaces, from social media monitoring to financial and online platform regulation.
Earlier this year, the government also allocated KSh 100 million to support online influencers promoting official messaging.
Much of the renewed focus on digital monitoring follows the 2024 Finance Bill protests, when young Kenyans used social media platforms such as TikTok and X to livestream demonstrations and document police actions. The online mobilisation played a major role in forcing the government to reverse parts of the controversial finance proposal.
After Kenyan courts later ruled against government attempts to block social media platforms, analysts believe authorities shifted strategy from restricting access to monitoring online discussions and responding to narratives in real time.
Kenya has previously attempted similar regulations, including the failed 2019 Social Media Bill and controversial cybercrime rules proposed in 2024. However, the current proposal is viewed as the country’s most technologically advanced attempt yet to monitor digital conversations.
Kenya’s strong digital rights movement and active online community are expected to play a major role in the debate ahead. Civil society groups are already preparing to challenge the proposal as parliament’s Budget and Appropriations Committee reviews whether the funding should be approved.
