Kenyan President William Ruto Calls for UK‑Style Social Media Ban for Children

President William Ruto urged parents, leaders and authorities to consider a ban on social‑media access for Kenyan children under 16, mirroring the United Kingdom’s recent restrictions. He argued that platforms are being used to radicalise and mislead youth, leaving parents with little control. “The UK and others have already started to limit access to some of the social media platforms that are radicalising our children,” Ruto said, calling for a national conversation on the issue.

Ruto made the remarks amid escalating school unrest, with more than 50 schools forced to close after students set fire to dormitories and other facilities. He warned that unchecked indiscipline could spiral into broader chaos and blamed criminal gangs, often hired by politicians. He ordered Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to mount a firm crackdown on the gangs.