New Bill Proposes Metered Internet Billing and Mandatory Age Verification for Online Access

A new legislative proposal seeks to revolutionize how Kenyans access and pay for internet services. The Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Aldai MP Marianne Jebet Kitany, aims to introduce metered internet billing and enforce mandatory age verification protocols for online access.

The Bill amends the Kenya Information and Communications Act to explicitly redefine “telecommunication operator” to include internet service providers (ISPs). Under the proposed law, ISPs will be required to implement metered billing systems that assign each customer a unique, traceable internet meter number. These meters will be used to monitor actual usage and generate detailed invoices, ensuring consumers only pay for what they use.

According to the Bill’s memorandum, the objective is to enhance consumer protection and bring greater accountability to internet usage in Kenya. “The bill requires internet service providers to develop and deploy quality metered billing systems capable of monitoring customer usage, converting it into readable details, and generating invoices that reflect the value customers receive from various internet services,” the document states.

ISPs will also be mandated to submit detailed data from these systems, including meter numbers, to the Communications Authority of Kenya annually. Existing ISP licenses will remain valid until their expiration, after which new licenses will be issued under the amended law.

The Bill further strengthens regulations around SIM card registration. Telecom operators must collect and maintain comprehensive subscriber information, including full names, ID numbers, birth dates, and physical addresses. Disclosure of such data will be permitted only under lawful circumstances such as investigations.

Violators of the new provisions could face penalties of up to Ksh5 million.

In a bid to protect minors from harmful content, the Bill also proposes strict age-verification measures. All users of platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn will be required to verify their age using national ID cards. Content service providers (CSPs) and application service providers (ASPs) must enforce these checks, while mobile providers will ensure SIM card registration aligns with these requirements.

“The society as a whole, including all participants of the internet ecosystem, is responsible for safeguarding the rights of children in their access and use of information, communication and technological products and services,” the Bill reads.

If enacted, the law would align Kenya with other countries implementing stricter controls on digital access for minors. While the Bill does not limit fundamental rights or assign powers to county governments, it is classified as a money bill due to its potential financial implications.

Broadcasters and domain administrators will be given a transition period to comply with the new licensing requirements, ensuring a smooth adaptation process to the proposed regulations.

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New Bill Proposes Metered Internet Billing and Mandatory Age Verification for Online Access