President William Ruto’s signature on a raft of bills on October 15, 2024, went largely unnoticed — overshadowed by the announcement of the death of opposition leader Raila Odinga. But tucked among the seven bills he assented to at State House Nairobi was one that could dramatically reshape Kenya’s digital landscape: the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The Bill, sponsored by Wajir East MP Aden Mohamed, seeks to tighten Kenya’s cyber laws amid growing concern over online fraud, digital harassment, and extremist content.
Power to Blackout “Illegal” Websites
One of the most striking provisions of the amendment gives the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) sweeping new powers — including the ability to order the blocking of websites and mobile applications deemed to promote illegal activities.
Under the proposed changes, NC4 can issue directives rendering any platform inaccessible within Kenya if it hosts or promotes child pornography, terrorism, religious extremism, or cultic practices.
Critics argue this clause could be open to abuse and may allow the government to silence dissent or control online expression under the guise of fighting cybercrime.
Cyber Harassment Penalties Toughened
The Bill also introduces stiffer penalties for cyber harassment.
Any person found guilty of online communication that could cause violence, property damage, or harm to a person’s reputation faces a fine of up to Ksh 20 million or 10 years in jail, or both.
Even posts considered “indecent or grossly offensive” may attract similar punishment — a move supporters say will protect victims of online bullying, but which digital rights groups warn could muzzle free speech.
Phishing and Identity Theft Crackdown
Phishing scams — fake messages or websites designed to trick users into revealing personal information — are also targeted in the Bill.
Anyone who creates or operates a website or sends deceptive messages to steal user data faces a fine of up to Ksh 300,000, three years in prison, or both. The amendment specifically mentions email and phone-based scams, which have surged in Kenya’s digital economy.
SIM-Swap Fraud Criminalised
In a major step against mobile fraud, the Bill introduces a new Section 42A criminalising unauthorised SIM swaps — a common tactic used by fraudsters to hijack phone numbers and access bank accounts.
Anyone convicted of willfully altering or taking ownership of another person’s SIM card without consent faces up to two years in prison or a Ksh 200,000 fine.
Broader Cybercrime Reform Agenda
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill was among seven key pieces of legislation signed into law alongside the National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, Land (Amendment) Bill, National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, and the Privatisation Bill, 2025.
President Ruto has framed the package as part of a broader effort to modernise Kenya’s governance and protect citizens in an increasingly digital era.
Public Reaction: A Double-Edged Sword
While security agencies have praised the Bill as a necessary shield against cybercrime, digital rights advocates have voiced concern. The new powers to take down websites and prosecute online speech, they say, could threaten privacy, freedom of expression, and media independence.
Still, with Kenya’s online fraud and cyberattacks on the rise, few deny the need for stronger protection — even as the country debates how far the law should go.
In short: Kenya’s new cyber law aims to lock out online criminals — but critics warn it could also lock down free speech.
Leave a Reply