How Safaricom Has Betrayed Kenya's Tech Community and the Nation

Introduction

In the past few weeks, the situation in Kenya has escalated from concern to outrage. The Finance Bill 2024, already a looming threat to the tech community, has now been overshadowed by alarming reports of unlawful arrests, abductions, and blatant breaches of privacy involving Kenya’s largest telecom provider, Safaricom. As the tech community reels from the implications of the Finance Bill, the betrayal by Safaricom has added insult to injury.

This blog delves deep into the events that have unfolded, criticizing Safaricom and the government’s actions, and capturing the collective pain, anger, and disappointment felt by Kenyans.

1. Safaricom’s Role in Data Breach and Abductions

First, let’s talk about the damning reports that Safaricom has been providing communications data and real-time locations of individuals to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), aiding in the abductions of social media influencers and activists. This is not only a gross violation of privacy but also an unconscionable betrayal of trust.

Imagine this: one social influencer, recently arrested and released, raised serious questions about how his phone calls were jammed and why his network signal was lost while in the hands of abductors. He also questioned how his token number and house number were known to the abductors, suggesting inside access to his MPESA transaction details. This is not paranoia; this is a reality backed by evidence of systemic abuse of power and corporate complicity.

For those of us who rely on Safaricom for our daily communications, for those of us who use MPESA for transactions, this is a chilling revelation. Our data, our personal information, is being used against us. It’s not just a breach of privacy; it’s a betrayal of the highest order. Safaricom, a company that has built its reputation on trust and reliability, has shown itself to be a willing tool in the government’s oppressive machinery.

2. Government and Safaricom’s Collusion

The collusion between Safaricom and the government goes deeper than just data sharing. There are numerous reports indicating a dedicated DCI office within Safaricom’s headquarters, where personal data and locations are handed over without due process. This reminds us chillingly of how the Chinese government uses TikTok for data collection and surveillance, compromising user privacy on a massive scale.

This is not just about the violation of individual privacy; it’s about the systematic erosion of trust in our institutions. When a telecom giant like Safaricom can be co-opted into government surveillance efforts, it sends a clear message: no one is safe. Your data, your communications, your location – all can be used against you at the whim of the state. This isn’t just unethical; it’s downright terrifying.

3. Nationwide Protests and Violent Suppression

On June 25th, 2024, massive protests erupted across the nation against the Finance Bill 2024. Protesters in Nairobi managed to overpower the police and storm Parliament, only to face brutal repression with live bullets. By evening, the president declared the protests treasonous and deployed the military without the required approval from the National Assembly. This unconstitutional action led to a massacre in Githurai 45, with reports indicating that at least 40 people had been killed by soldiers overnight.

Imagine the horror of waking up to find out that fellow Kenyans, peacefully protesting for their rights, have been gunned down in cold blood. This isn’t just about the Finance Bill anymore; it’s about the fundamental right to protest, to dissent, to be heard. The government’s response, aided by Safaricom’s data betrayal, has been nothing short of draconian.

4. Internet Disruptions: Silencing the Protests

In an apparent move to stifle the protests, there was a significant disruption of internet services in Kenya, particularly affecting Safaricom users. This blackout was aimed at silencing the decentralized organization of protests happening primarily on X (formerly Twitter), where the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024 had been trending globally.

Safaricom, which had previously urged the public to reject the bill, now found itself accused of aiding in these connectivity disruptions, further alienating the tech community and the nation. This isn’t just about technical failures or outages; this is about a deliberate attempt to stifle dissent, to silence voices, to keep the truth from spreading.

Imagine being cut off from the world, unable to communicate, unable to organize, unable to fight back, all because your telecom provider decided to side with the oppressors. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a betrayal of the most fundamental principles of freedom and democracy.

5. Safaricom’s Denial and Public Backlash

In response to the allegations, Safaricom issued press releases denying any involvement in providing data to the DCI or disrupting internet services, claiming instead that the outages were due to issues with two undersea cables. However, the public is not convinced, leading to threats online to boycott Safaricom’s products and services.

These denials are not just flimsy; they’re insulting. They insult the intelligence of every Kenyan who has been affected, who has seen firsthand the consequences of these actions. Safaricom’s attempts to deflect blame only serve to deepen the wounds, to add salt to the already painful betrayal.

6. The Broader Implications: Stifling Innovation and Growth

The Finance Bill 2024, combined with Safaricom’s actions, has broader implications for Kenya’s tech community and the nation’s future. The bill proposes a 3% tax on all digital asset transfers, increased digital service tax from 1.5% to 3%, a presumptive tax on online content creators, and a hike in capital gains tax from 5% to 15%.

These measures are not just shortsighted; they’re destructive. They stifle innovation, discourage investment, and create an environment where the best and brightest are forced to look elsewhere for opportunities. The tech community, which has the potential to drive Kenya’s economic growth, is being systematically dismantled.

Imagine trying to build a startup, trying to innovate, trying to create something new and valuable, only to be met with barrier after barrier, tax after tax, all designed to squeeze the life out of your dreams. This isn’t just bad policy; it’s an attack on the very future of our nation.

7. Safaricom’s Double Standards and Hypocrisy

It’s important to highlight Safaricom’s hypocrisy in this saga. This is a company that, when the Finance Bill was first announced, urged the public to reject it. Yet now, they find themselves at the center of internet disruptions aimed at silencing dissent against the very same bill.

This double standard is not just hypocritical; it’s infuriating. It shows a company willing to say one thing and do another, willing to betray the very principles they claim to uphold. This isn’t just disappointing; it’s a fundamental breach of trust.

8. The Human Cost: Lives Disrupted and Dreams Shattered

At the heart of this saga is the human cost. The social media influencers and activists who have been abducted, the protesters who have been shot, the entrepreneurs whose dreams are being crushed – these are real people, with real lives and real futures at stake.

Imagine being one of these individuals, standing up for what you believe in, only to be met with violence, suppression, and betrayal. Imagine the fear, the anger, the sense of helplessness. This isn’t just about policies or companies; this is about the very fabric of our society being torn apart.

9. The Global Perspective: Kenya’s Reputation at Stake

Kenya has long been seen as a hub of innovation and growth in Africa. But the actions of Safaricom and the government are threatening to tarnish this reputation. International investors, partners, and collaborators are watching, and what they see is deeply concerning.

Imagine being an international investor, looking at Kenya as a potential hub for innovation, only to see a government willing to suppress dissent and a leading telecom provider willing to betray its customers. This isn’t just bad for business; it’s catastrophic for Kenya’s global standing.

10. The Future: Rekindling Hope and Resilience

Despite the dire situation, we must not lose hope. The strength of Kenya’s tech community lies in its resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of progress. While we face unprecedented challenges, we also have the opportunity to come together, stronger than ever.

What Can We Do?

1. Demand Transparency and Accountability: Hold Safaricom and the government accountable for their actions. Demand full transparency about data sharing practices and the true reasons behind the internet disruptions. Insist on clear, verifiable answers and refuse to accept anything less.

2. Strengthen Digital Security and Privacy: As a tech community, we must prioritize digital security and privacy. Educate ourselves and others on best practices for protecting personal data. Advocate for stronger privacy laws and regulations to safeguard our information from misuse.

3. Support Independent ISPs and Alternatives: Diversify our internet service providers. Support and promote independent ISPs that are committed to protecting user privacy and upholding ethical standards. Encourage competition to reduce reliance on any single telecom provider.

4. Engage in Constructive Dialogue: Initiate and participate in open dialogues with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society organizations. Work collaboratively to develop policies that support innovation, protect privacy, and ensure fair taxation without stifling growth.

5. Empower the Next Generation: Invest in education and mentorship for young tech enthusiasts. Foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and ethical responsibility. Equip the next generation with the skills and values needed to build a brighter, more equitable tech future for Kenya.

Conclusion: Safaricom and the Government Must Answer

Safaricom’s slogan, “Simple • Transparent • Honest • FOR YOU,” is now nothing more than a cruel joke. The company’s recent actions have revealed it to be anything but simple, transparent, or honest, and it certainly isn’t acting in the best interests of Kenyans. Their deceptive practices have shattered the trust that many had in them, proving that their commitments are nothing more than empty promises.

The Finance Bill 2024 and the actions of Safaricom are more than just policy missteps; they are existential threats to Kenya’s tech future. It’s time to resist and ensure that our voices are heard and our rights protected. Let’s show the government and Safaricom what happens when you mess with Kenyan innovation and democracy. We are tired, we are angry, and we are not going to take this lying down. Our startups, our innovations, our dreams for a tech-powered Kenya – they are all worth fighting for.