Kenya’s digital freedom is facing fresh uncertainty after the government introduced amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act, 2024, granting authorities unprecedented power to block online content deemed harmful.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Signed into law by President William Ruto on October 15, the amendment allows the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee—a body dominated by security officials—to direct internet service providers to make websites or applications inaccessible.
This can be done without a court order if the platforms are believed to promote pornography, terrorism, or what is vaguely termed “extreme religious and cultic practices.”
Critics warn that such sweeping powers could pave the way for state censorship, enabling authorities to silence dissent or control public discourse under the guise of maintaining security.
The law also broadens the definition of cyber harassment to include conduct “likely to cause” someone to commit suicide—wording rights defenders argue is too ambiguous and could criminalize ordinary online expression.
During the 2024 Gen-Z protests against the Finance Bill, political leaders accused activists of cyberbullying, fueling calls to tighten online speech regulations.
Human rights organization Article 19 has since urged parliament to repeal the amendments, warning they violate international free speech standards and risk chilling online debate in one of Africa’s most open digital societies.
Beyond censorship concerns, the law expands the definition of phishing to include fraudulent phone calls and imposes penalties for unauthorized SIM-swap fraud, a fast-growing cybercrime that gives fraudsters access to victims’ phone numbers, bank accounts, and personal data.
The government defends the amendments as essential to combat online fraud, extremism, and identity theft. Officials insist the measures protect citizens and strengthen national security—not suppress critics.
Meanwhile, a separate proposal before parliament seeks to introduce metered internet billing, requiring service providers to charge users per byte and collect extensive personal information, including ID numbers and addresses.
Analysts warn that if both bills are fully implemented, Kenya could slide toward state-controlled internet access, eroding digital freedoms that have fueled its innovation-driven economy.
