NAIROBI, Kenya — Information, Communications, and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has defended the newly enacted Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, saying critics have misunderstood its intent and warning that misinformation is fuelling unnecessary public panic.
Speaking on Inooro FM on Tuesday, Kabogo maintained that the law, signed by President William Ruto on October 15, 2025, is not meant to stifle freedom of speech but to bring order to Kenya’s digital landscape, which he described as “increasingly chaotic and dangerous.”
“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,” he said.
Kabogo stressed that the legislation is designed to protect citizens, not the government, from online exploitation, cyber fraud, child pornography, and other internet-based crimes.
“This law protects Kenyans, not the government. Why would the government be interested in pornography? It’s about protecting people from exploitation,” he said.
The CS noted that Kenya faces about two million cyberattacks daily, making it imperative for the country to strengthen its digital governance systems.
He added that the Act provides law enforcement agencies with a clearer framework for investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes — a challenge that previously hindered justice for victims.
“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 said.
Kabogo dismissed claims that the amendments erode constitutional freedoms, saying that “laws outlive governments” and are intended to uphold order and morality, not silence dissent.
“Governments come and go, but laws remain. There is no intention to create laws that work against Kenyans,” he stated.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Wajir East MP Aden Mohamed, enhances the original Act by empowering the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) to order the removal or blocking of websites or applications promoting unlawful content such as terrorism, child exploitation, or cultism.
It also broadens the definitions of cyber harassment, phishing, and unauthorized SIM swaps, introducing stiffer penalties:
- Cyber harassment leading to violence, property damage, or emotional harm now attracts a fine of up to Sh20 million or 10 years in prison.
- Phishing and identity theft through fake websites or emails will attract a fine of Sh300,000 or three years in prison.
- Unauthorized SIM swap will carry a penalty of Sh200,000 or two years in prison.
Kabogo argued that these provisions reflect “the realities of digital crime” and align Kenya with global best practices.
“The law is only harsh to those on the wrong side of it. Without regulation, online spaces would descend into anarchy,” he remarked.
He added that Kenya’s rapid internet growth — among the fastest in Africa — has made regulation essential to protect citizens, businesses, and national security.
“There are syndicates involved in child trafficking and other crimes that operate online. Regulation is not oppression — it’s protection,” he said.
The Cybercrimes Act continues to stir public debate, with human rights advocates arguing that the expanded powers of the NC4 could infringe on freedom of expression under Article 33 of the Constitution. However, the government maintains that the law underwent public participation and legal scrutiny before its enactment.
Kabogo concluded by urging Kenyans to “read the law” rather than rely on online interpretations, promising that his ministry will roll out digital literacy campaigns to raise awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities under the new framework.
