The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has released new guidelines that require ICT service providers to create age verification systems for all users. This is to make the internet a safer space for kids while still respecting their right to information and freedom of expression.

“All platforms offering ICT services must develop and use age verification tools to protect children,” the CA announced.

IDs to Be Used for Age Confirmation

For now, users will be able to self-report their age but eventually the government will enforce ID-based age checks. According to a CA official who spoke off the record, uploading a government-issued ID will be the norm for verifying a user’s age.

“We’ll start by trusting what users say but eventually verification through IDs will be mandatory,” the source said.

This is believed to be the most accurate way to ensure users meet minimum age requirements for platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp.

A Global Challenge with No Easy Fix

So far no country in the world has implemented age checks for social media and Kenya is venturing into new territory. Many countries are struggling with the same issue, debating how to keep kids safe online without limiting their digital rights.

Right now in Kenya anyone can create a social media account regardless of their age. That means kids have access to the same content as adults including potentially harmful or inappropriate material.

New Rules to Roll Out in Six Months

The new guidelines will take effect in the next six months. The goal is to reduce children’s exposure to online risks such as exploitation, cyberbullying and harmful content.

Interestingly the move is not to ban children from social media altogether as some countries are considering but rather to create a safer and more responsible digital space for young users.

The Push for Local Regulation and Accountability

The guidelines follow another major directive issued earlier by the Interior Ministry which ordered all social media companies to set up offices in Kenya and appoint local representatives. This is in response to misuse of social media—hate speech, cyber harassment and incitement to violence. But no social platform has complied with this order and no deadline was given.

Kenya’s Child Online Safety Record

Kenya is bottom of the pile in global child online protection rankings. While school education and corporate responsibility is showing promise, the country is still lagging in regulation, infrastructure and family digital support.

A report by the DQ Institute, a global digital safety think tank, highlighted these challenges and pointed out the need for stronger systems and policies.

Digital Platforms Already Using ID Checks

In other sectors, ID verification is already common. For instance, fintech apps like digital lenders, mobile money providers, banks, and crypto exchanges require users to upload ID documents to comply with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) rules.

So, applying similar checks to social media isn't entirely new—but it raises serious privacy concerns, including the risk of data breaches or excluding people without formal identification.

Other Age Verification Methods Exist—But They’re Not Perfect

Besides using IDs, there are a few other age-check methods, although they are far from foolproof. These include:

  • AI-based facial recognition

  • Third-party verification

  • Self-declaration with parental consent

However, these methods have limited accuracy and may be easy to bypass, especially by tech-savvy teens.

Tech Firms Must Also Publish Online Protection Policies

As part of the new rules, ICT companies must also develop child protection policies and take action against harmful materials like child sexual abuse content. This reinforces the need for a holistic approach to online safety, not just age checks.

Bottom Line: A Step in the Right Direction, But Challenges Remain

Kenya’s attempt to make the internet safer for children is commendable and timely, especially as young users face growing risks online. But enforcing age verification on social media is a tricky task—one that even developed countries have struggled to implement.

For the policy to succeed, strong privacy protections, transparent enforcement, and broad public awareness will be crucial. Otherwise, it could lead to exclusion, misuse of personal data, or simple workarounds by tech-savvy youth.