Justina Wamae slams Kenya’s policy depth amid China’s new influencer rules
Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has questioned Kenya’s level of strategic thinking following China’s move to tighten regulations on online influencers.
Through a statement shared on her X account on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Wamae said China’s global dominance stems from deliberate, long-term policy decisions made by its government.
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She said Kenya, by contrast, often lacks such foresight, with officials focusing on short-term operational matters instead of strategic planning that can shape the country’s growth and competitiveness.
“China’s dominance in the world is a result of decades of strategic government policies. This is one of those policies. Is Kenya at the strategic level of thinking or are those paid the fat salaries to be strategic, fighting at the lowest level of the barrel operational level?” Wamae stated.
Kenyan influencers
Her remarks came after Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament Zaheer Jhanda announced plans to sponsor a bill requiring influencers in Kenya to hold relevant degrees before commenting on professional issues such as law, medicine, finance, or engineering.
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The legislator said his proposal is inspired by China’s recent policy and aims to combat misinformation and ensure that only qualified individuals share expert opinions online.
“I am borrowing a Leaf From one of The Most Advanced Nations- China with a Huge Population Than Ours. I am equally going to sponsor a Bill to Regulate Influencers. They Must Have Degrees To Talk About Professional Topics. We cannot have a Country Where Everyone is An Expert,” Jhanda said.
Adding;
“They Must Be Recognized By Professional Bodies Such as LSK, ICPAK, MCK, O’wise Kamiti Express.. Misinformation and Disinformation Will Become a Crisis Soon in Kenya.”
China’s new rule
Under China’s new regulations, announced by the Cyberspace Administration of China earlier this year, social media influencers must possess verified academic or professional qualifications before discussing specialised subjects.
Platforms such as Douyin, Weibo, and Bilibili are now required to verify an influencer’s credentials before allowing them to post professional content. The move seeks to curb misinformation and raise content standards in fields that directly affect public welfare.
According to international reports, the rules are part of China’s broader campaign to regulate its fast-growing digital economy and promote healthy and orderly online discourse. Influencers who violate these measures risk having their accounts suspended or permanently banned, while platforms that fail to enforce the rules face penalties.
