Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda is planning to introduce a bill requiring social media influencers to hold academic degrees before they can discuss professional topics online.
Jhanda, who once proposed an increased tax on beauty products, said the proposed law seeks to curb misinformation. This is by ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to comment on specialized areas such as medicine, law, and finance.
The MP compared the plan to China’s online regulations, suggesting that professional bodies, like the Law Society of Kenya, should vet and approve experts before they provide commentary in their respective fields.
“I am borrowing a leaf from one of the most advanced nations- China, with a huge population larger than ours. I am also going to sponsor a bill to regulate influencers. They Must Have Degrees to Talk About Professional Topics,” the ex-husband of Amber Ray wrote.
The plan has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters say it would help reduce false information online, while critics argue it threatens free speech and could exclude young or self-taught creators who have built successful platforms without formal education.
Kenya’s influencer industry has grown fast in recent years, becoming a key part of marketing, entertainment, and public discussion. If passed, Jhanda’s bill would mark one of the strongest efforts to regulate the sector in Africa.
He has not yet presented the bill to Parliament, but his proposal has already sparked a national debate on how to balance professionalism and freedom of expression online.
By Vivian K.