The government has moved to dispel what it terms as widespread misinformation circulating on social media regarding the recently enacted Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act, 2024, warning that many claims being shared online are misleading or outright false.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, urged Kenyans to read the actual law instead of relying on selective summaries or social media commentary.
“A lot of what is being shared online about the amended Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act is misleading or outright false. We encourage citizens to read the adopted Bill themselves to understand what has actually changed,” Dr. Omollo said.
According to Dr. Omollo, the amendments are progressive and designed to strengthen Kenya’s cybersecurity framework, mainly by expanding the authority of the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4).
Under the revised law, the NC4 now has the power to issue legal directives against websites and online platforms engaged in illegal activities such as child pornography, human trafficking, and terrorism.
The PS further noted that the amended Act introduces stricter measures against online abuse, including malicious actions that may drive victims to self-harm or suicide. This, he said, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from digital exploitation and psychological harm.
Dr. Omollo highlighted that the new legal framework aligns with Kenya’s ongoing efforts to advance the Digital Superhighway, a key component of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He emphasized that ensuring a safe and trustworthy online environment is essential for fostering innovation, e-commerce, efficient public services, and the protection of personal data.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Wajir East MP Aden Mohamed, seeks to reinforce laws against unlawful online activities such as the exploitation of minors, terrorism, and religious extremism.
Key provisions include:
- Empowering NC4 to restrict access to websites and apps that promote illegal content or extremist ideologies.
- Expanding the definition of cyber harassment, criminalizing online communication that causes violence, property damage, or personal harm punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a Ksh. 20 million fine.
- Broadening phishing offences to cover identity theft via email or phone calls. Offenders risk up to three years in jail or a fine of Ksh. 300,000.
- Criminalizing unauthorised SIM-swapping, with offenders facing fines of up to Ksh. 200,000 or two years in prison, or both.
Dr. Omollo concluded by urging the public to seek accurate information from official government sources, noting that informed digital citizenship is key to maintaining trust and safety in Kenya’s fast-evolving online ecosystem.
