NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned Kenyans that abusive and hateful content shared on social media attracts the same legal consequences as hate speech expressed in public, stressing that online platforms do not offer immunity from the law.
In a public awareness poster released on Thursday, the Commission said digital spaces are not a shield from accountability, cautioning users against hiding behind screens, anonymity or fake accounts to spread harmful content.
The poster, titled “Hate Speech Online Is Still Hate Speech!!”, underscores that offensive remarks shared on social media remain actionable under Kenyan law, regardless of where or how they are published.
Report Hate Speech Using to our Toll Free SMS Line -1547.
NCIC noted that a widespread misconception—that posting anonymously or using personal devices protects individuals from prosecution—has contributed to a rise in cyberbullying, harassment, threats and hate speech across digital platforms.
“Screens do not remove accountability,” the Commission said, urging users to communicate responsibly and think carefully before posting or sharing content online.
The awareness campaign features an illustration of a young person sitting with their arms around their knees as hostile speech bubbles emerge from a screen, symbolising the emotional and psychological harm caused by online abuse.
NCIC said such attacks disproportionately affect minors, women and other vulnerable groups.
The Commission warned that digital hostility tends to spike during political seasons and periods of national tension, adding that unchecked online hate speech can easily spill over into real-world violence.
To strengthen accountability, NCIC urged the public to report suspected hate speech through its toll-free SMS line 1547, the official website www.cohesion.go.ke, or the hotline 0702 777 000.
NCIC said it is working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate verified cases, noting that both individuals and organised groups can face prosecution if found culpable.
The warning comes as the Commission intensifies efforts to curb online incitement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On January 20, NCIC rolled out comprehensive social media monitoring guidelines outlining how admissible digital evidence will be collected, inflammatory content identified, and offenders held accountable in coordination with security agencies.
The Commission emphasised that the guidelines are not intended to suppress free expression but to strike a balance between constitutional rights and civic responsibility.
NCIC also called on political leaders, influencers and ordinary users to exercise restraint online, saying safeguarding national cohesion is a shared responsibility.
