MP Zaheer Jhanda pushes bill to regulate influencers, says they must have degrees

A fiery online debate has erupted after China introduced new rules requiring influencers to hold university degrees before discussing professional topics. Now, a Kenyan MP wants to do the same.

Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda took to X to declare his intention to table a bill mirroring China’s policy.

“I am borrowing a leaf from one of the most advanced nations, China, with a huge population than ours,” he wrote. “I am equally going to sponsor a bill to regulate influencers. They must have degrees to talk about professional topics. We cannot have a country where everyone is an expert. They must be recognised by professional bodies such as LSK, ICPAK, MCK, otherwise Kamiti Express. Misinformation and disinformation will become a crisis soon in Kenya.”

I am borrowing a Leaf From one of The Most Advanced Nations- China With a Huge Population Than Ours.
I am equally Going to Sponsor a Bill to Regulate Influencers.
They Must Have Degrees To Talk About Professional Topics.
We Cannot Have a Country Where Everyone is An Expert.… pic.twitter.com/DoX6fF8lsP — Hon. Zaheer Jhanda (@JhandaMp) October 28, 2025

The post spread like wildfire, drawing an avalanche of reactions from Kenyans online.

User @muthonitweets shot back sarcastically, “Borrowing a leaf on corruption is where you draw the line?” while @irungu_angela quipped, “MPs need degrees, particularly in political science! Also, do not forget to borrow the same leaf from China to hang corrupt leaders!”

Another user, @Gitahikevv, added with a dose of irony, “We want the one for hanging corrupt leaders! Gen Z, we are coming for you, nyumbani very fast! But people without degrees are making laws in Parliament.”

@TerryDiana2 joined in with frustration: “Lecturers are on strike, teachers have not been paid, hospitals are not working even in the place you represent, Nyaribari Chache. You cannot even explain why there are no institutions for CBC kids and this is the best you can come up with? Go register as a voter my guys. #WANTAM.”

Still, not everyone disagreed with the lawmaker. A few Kenyans saw reason in his idea.

“This could be a reasonable bill,” wrote @Kisiifinesttt, while @EmmanuelMotelin supported Jhanda’s stand, saying, “Fully with you on this one. It is what I would refer to as common sense laws. The opposition will call it censorship, but they fail to understand why China is such a prosperous nation. Africans need to learn and adapt.”