Zaheer Jhanda to sponsor bill to regulate social media influencers
By Nancy Marende, October 28, 2025Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament (MP) Zaheer Jhanda has announced plans to sponsor a bill in Parliament seeking to regulate social media influencers in Kenya, saying the move is aimed at curbing misinformation and restoring professionalism in online communication.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Jhanda said the proposed legislation will draw inspiration from global practices, particularly from China, which he described as one of the most advanced nations in managing the digital space.
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“I am borrowing a leaf from one of the most advanced nations, China, with a larger population than ours. I am equally going to sponsor a bill to regulate influencers,” Jhanda said.
The legislator argued that the growing influence of online personalities, many of whom command large followings, has created a crisis of misinformation in the country.
He said the bill would ensure that only qualified individuals with relevant educational backgrounds can discuss professional topics online.
“They must have degrees to talk about professional topics. We cannot have a country where everyone is an expert,” he said.
Jhanda added that influencers engaging in specialised areas such as law, finance, media, and health should be recognised and regulated by 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), among others.
“They must be recognised by professional bodies such as LSK, ICPAK, MCK, or otherwise, Kamiti Express,” he added.
The MP warned that if left unchecked, misinformation and disinformation could become a national crisis, eroding public trust and destabilising institutions.
“Misinformation and disinformation will become a crisis soon in Kenya,” he said.
This comes amid recent amendments to Kenya’s Cybercrimes Act, which has seen influencers voice their concerns over the law, which includes stricter penalties for online harassment that results in emotional distress or suicide.