Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has announced plans to introduce a bill that would require social-media influencers to hold relevant academic qualifications and recognition by professional bodies before commenting on specialised subjects.
Jhanda warned that misinformation and disinformation online “will become a crisis soon” and suggested Kenya could “borrow a leaf” from China’s strict regulations on content. The proposed bill targets influencers discussing areas such as law, finance, health, or media. They would need vetting and recognition from bodies like the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and the Media Council of Kenya.
The MP framed the proposal as a quality-control measure to protect the public from potentially harmful advice. He highlighted that content shaping financial decisions, legal choices, and health outcomes must meet professional standards.
China’s regulations serve as the model. In June 2022, Beijing introduced rules barring unqualified creators from giving advice on law, finance, and medicine. Platforms were tasked with verifying creators’ credentials. New rules, effective October 25, 2025, require proof of expertise such as degrees, licenses, or certifications. Platforms including Douyin, Bilibili, and Weibo are legally accountable for compliance.
Violations in China carry severe consequences. Influencers giving advice without credentials can face account suspension, demonetisation, or permanent deletion. Platforms and creators may also be fined. The laws extend to the supporting ecosystem, including multi-channel networks (MCNs), which must register and submit management data to authorities.
If Jhanda’s bill is drafted, Kenya will need to define who qualifies as an influencer, the topics triggering credential checks, how recognition is verified, and how platforms and regulators enforce compliance.
The proposal raises questions about balancing consumer protection and free expression in Kenya’s growing digital economy. While it could curb misinformation, critics may argue it risks limiting online speech and innovation among creators.
This initiative positions Kenya at the forefront of a global debate on regulating digital influence while safeguarding public trust in professional content.
