The ongoing protests in Kenya have sparked important conversations about citizen rights and online security. For many Kenyans, Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have become a topic of interest.
What is a VPN?
Imagine a VPN as a secure tunnel between your device (phone, computer) and the internet. All your online traffic travels through this tunnel, encrypted and hidden from anyone trying to monitor your activity.
What Does a VPN Help You Do?
While a VPN cannot guarantee complete internet access during a shutdown, it can potentially:
1. Protect your privacy
Your internet service provider (ISP) and other third parties cannot see which websites you visit or what data you send and receive online.
2. Help you access blocked content
Some websites or content might be restricted based on your location. A VPN can allow you to virtually connect to a server in another country and bypass these restrictions. An important thing to note is that bypassing restrictions might violate terms of service for certain platforms.
3. Help you use public Wi-Fi more safely
Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to hacking. A VPN adds an extra layer of security when using these networks.
4. Obscure your online activity
By encrypting your traffic, it makes it harder for authorities to track your online movements.
5. Provide access to international news sources
If local news is restricted, a VPN might allow you to access international news outlets.
Limitations of a VPN
VPNs are not a foolproof shield and can be blocked by governments with advanced resources. Encryption can also slow down your internet connection.
Choosing a VPN
Make sure to do your research so you can choose a trustworthy VPN provider with a good reputation for security and privacy. There are some free VPNs available, but if you can pay for one, the better.
Some of the VPNs we recommend include TunnelBear, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, NordVPN, Surfshark and Private Internet Access.