Gov't Faults US Move to List Kenya as a Signatory to Free Internet Declaration

Kenya has protested a move by the United States to include it in the list of signatories to the Declaration for the Future of the Internet.

Government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna termed the move as erroneous, saying that protocol was not followed in the signing of the declaration that is aimed to protect an open, safe internet.

“While we are listed as a signatory to the declaration, we wish to state that, as a country, we have not gone through our processes and laws for endorsing this declaration. As per our laws, Kenya can only be a signatory to any international instrument after Cabinet approval, and ratification by the National Assembly,” Oguna stated.

The US named Kenya among the 55 countries that joined the effort in promoting an open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet for the world.

“The said declaration is going through a review and based on the outcome of the process, Kenya will be able to state her position on the matter,” Oguna added.

Other countries listed as signatories to the declaration include Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Argentina, Cyprus, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Ukraine.

The White House says the Declaration for the Future of the Internet (DFI) aims to reclaim “the immense promise of the internet, pushing back against rising digital authoritarianism to ensure it reinforces democracy, protects privacy, and promotes a free global economy.”

A senior US administration official said the declaration establishes fundamental principles and commits governments to promoting an open, free, global, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet for the world.

He added that the effort aims to combat the “splintering of the internet, but will respect regulatory autonomy of each country.”

The declaration also underscores the need to ensure affordable access for underserved groups.