NAIROBI, Kenya — A majority of Kenyan internet users are increasingly concerned about their online safety, according to a new nationwide study by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), highlighting growing anxieties over cyber scams, artificial intelligence-driven misinformation and cyberbullying.
The in-depth national survey, being conducted in partnership with the University of Nairobi (UoN), aims to generate empirical data on digital behaviour, device usage, parental involvement and public attitudes toward online risks.
The findings are expected to shape future policy interventions and strengthen Kenya’s online safety ecosystem.
Speaking at the Data Privacy Conference 2026, CA Director-General David Mugonyi said the study is designed to support evidence-based policymaking at a time when digital threats are evolving rapidly.
“We are conducting a national survey with the University of Nairobi to gather empirical data on online risks and inform policy,” Mugonyi said, noting that collaboration remains central to the authority’s work. “We are working with more than 50 stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement and civil society, to support reporting, victim assistance and enforcement.”
According to the CA, insights from the study will guide improvements in parental control mechanisms, cybersecurity frameworks and digital citizenship programmes, particularly as more Kenyans — including children — spend extended time online.
The three-day Data Privacy Conference, convened by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), brought together policymakers, regulators, innovators and practitioners to deliberate on the future of data governance in Kenya.
The forum officially closed today, having been opened by Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo.
Discussions at the conference focused on emerging technologies, evolving regulatory frameworks, and best practices in data protection and ethical data use.
The conference outcomes are expected to recommend practical measures to enhance cybersecurity, strengthen parental controls and promote responsible digital behaviour.
Mugonyi described the forum as a catalyst for meaningful change, saying it provided a collaborative platform where ideas could translate into action.
“It is a space where ideas meet impact, empowering organisations and individuals to build a secure and inclusive digital future,” he said.
Globally, governments and institutions are placing greater emphasis on online safety as digital harms proliferate, posing increasing risks to public safety, mental health and social cohesion — a trend Kenya is now seeking to address through data-driven policy responses.
