A Kenyan lawmaker has sparked debate after proposing new legislation that would bar social media influencers from discussing professional topics without proper academic qualifications.
Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda announced on Tuesday that he plans to sponsor a Bill regulating how online personalities share expert opinions on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
“We cannot have a country where everyone is an expert,” Mr Jhanda said. “If you want to talk about law, medicine, or finance online, you must be qualified and recognised by a professional body.”
The proposed law would require influencers to hold a degree or certification before commenting on subjects such as law, health, education, or finance. Those without credentials could be restricted from publishing such content.
Inspired by China’s Online Regulation Model
Mr Jhanda said he drew inspiration from China’s recent move to tighten rules on online creators. Under new regulations that took effect there on October 25, content creators must prove their qualifications before speaking on sensitive topics, such as medicine, law, or finance.
“I am borrowing a leaf from one of the most advanced nations—China,” Mr Jhanda said. “They have acted to protect their people from misinformation, and so should we.”
According to China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC), the rules are meant to ensure accuracy and accountability. Influencers must also disclose when their content is AI-generated or based on studies, and are banned from advertising medical products under the guise of educational material.
Professional Oversight in Kenya
Mr Jhanda suggested that Kenya’s own professional bodies—including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK)—should help enforce similar standards.
“Influencers should not just wake up and claim to be financial analysts or health experts,” he said. “They need to be accountable to institutions that can verify their expertise.”
Mixed Reactions Online
The proposal has stirred mixed reactions across Kenya’s social media landscape. Some users praised the idea, saying it could help curb misinformation, especially in health and financial advice. Others criticised it as restrictive and elitist, warning that it could stifle free speech and creativity in the growing influencer economy.
Digital rights groups are yet to issue formal statements, but analysts say the debate touches on a global dilemma: how to balance free expression with public protection in the age of viral content.
For now, Jhanda’s proposal remains just that—a proposal—but it has already ignited a national conversation about truth, accountability, and influence in Kenya’s digital space.