Kenya's ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo told the Senate that X must open offices in the country within three months to keep its temporary operating licences.
The announcement came on May 13 during a Senate appearance by Kabogo, who said the licences were granted on condition that the platform establishes a local presence.
Kabogo told lawmakers that the requirement forms part of wider efforts to hold global platforms accountable for harmful content and to protect children. He added that having offices in Kenya would allow authorities to enforce local laws directly.
The Communications Authority has also been given powers to suspend platforms that breach regulations, Kabogo said, naming TikTok, Meta and X among those already under scrutiny.
The move follows a Media Council of Kenya report showing that 39 per cent of Kenyans now rely on social media for news, more than any other source.