The guidelines released by the commission chair Francis Kaparo, seek to prevent the transmission of undesirable political content using text messages and social media posts. Coming at a time of heightened political activity in the country ahead of next month’s polls, the guidelines also bar political messages that are offensive, abusive, insulting, misleading, confusing, obscene or profane language. Prior to sending a political message, the content service providers are required to make a request to a mobile network operator at least 48 hours before sending the message. VET CONTENTThe request shall include verbatim content of the political message, signed authorisation letter from the political party or individual sponsoring the message. Content shall then be vetted by the mobile network operator to ensure compliance and notify the requesting entity within 18 hours of submission of the request.

Source: Daily Nation July 05, 2017 18:33 UTC