The Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, has come out strongly in defense of the newly enacted Cyber and Computer Crime Act, refuting dissenting opinion from leaders including former Chief Justice David Maraga and growing online criticism as being fuelled by misinformation.
In an interview session with one of the local station on Tuesday, Kabogo stated that the law, signed by President William Ruto on October 15, 2025, is envisioned to convey order and sanity to Kenya’s rapidly evolving digital space and protect citizens from the negative effects of cyber bullying, cybercrime and online attacks and abuse.
‘‘We’ve seen people take their own lives because of cyberbullying, and others whose reputations have been destroyed online. If we don’t act, this could become the next big pandemic,” Kabogo cautioned
He refuted claims that the law is intended to stifle dissent or restrict freedom of speech, insisting that its purpose is to safeguard citizens rather than silence them
Governments come and go, but laws remain. There is no intention to create laws that work against Kenyans,” he said
Kabogo observed that, while digital platforms have opened up new economic opportunities, they have also become breeding grounds for criminal activities such as child pornography, online scams, and revenge pornography.
“This law protects Kenyans, not the government. Why would the government be interested in pornography? It’s about protecting people from exploitation,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasised that the legislation establishes a clearer legal framework for law enforcement agencies to handle cybercrime cases, which were previously difficult to prosecute due to legislative gaps.
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“Many people have reported cybercrime incidents to the police but got no help because the law was not clear on how to address such issues,” he explained.
According to Kabogo, Kenya receives an estimated two million cyberattacks per day, highlighting the critical need for a strong legal framework to address online threats and evolving digital crimes.
“There are syndicates involved in child trafficking and other crimes that operate online. Kenyans are among the most active internet users in Africa — that’s why regulation is necessary,” he said
He went on to argue that the law is not oppressive, but rather serves as a deterrent to those who engage in criminal activity online.
“The law is only harsh to those on the wrong side of it. Without regulation, online spaces would descend into anarchy,” Kabogo remarked.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill 2024, sponsored by Wajir East Member of Parliament (MP) Aden Mohamed, aims to establish a regulatory framework to combat illegal activities, inappropriate sexual content for minors, terrorism or religious extremism, and other forms of cybercrime.
‘‘It seeks to amend the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act Cap 79C by proposing to give the National Computer and Cybercrimes Co-ordination Committee (NC4) an additional function of issuing directives on websites and applications that may be rendered inaccessible within the country where the “website or application promotes illegal activities, child pornography, terrorism and extreme religious and cultic practices.”
The Bill also seeks to amend section 27 of the Act to expand the scope of the offence of cyber harassment.
Likewise, any person who communicates to an individual, or anyone connected to them, whose conduct is likely to cause violence against them, damage to property, or detrimentally affects them, will be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh. 20 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or both.
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The same penalty will be given if the person is part of an “indecent or grossly offensive nature that will affect other persons.
The Bill also wants to amend section 30 of the Act to expand the scope of the offence of phishing, which will include action against identity theft committed through email or phone calls.
This offence will attract a fine not exceeding Ksh. 300,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both if they create or operate a website, or send a message through a computer system, “with the intention to induce the user of a website or the recipient of the message to disclose personal information for an unlawful purpose.”