The Kenyan government now possesses the authority to block social media platforms and websites implicated in illicit activities, following President William Ruto's signing of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law.

• The new law allows restriction of access to sites facilitating terrorism, child pornography, or cultic practices.
• The amendment was sponsored by Wajir East MP Aden Daudi.
• It expands the definition of "cyber harassment" to include communication promoting suicide and imposes fines of up to Sh200,000 or a two-year prison term for unauthorized SIM-card swaps.

Kenya has enacted amendments to its cybercrime laws, granting the government extensive powers to block websites and online applications deemed harmful, raising significant concerns about freedom of expression. The new laws were signed by President William Ruto on Wednesday, October 15.

• The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act, 2024, empowers the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee to order internet providers to block sites without a court order.
• The committee, comprised largely of security officials, can target content promoting pornography, terrorism, or “extreme religious and cultic practices.”
• The act also broadens cyber harassment to include conduct “likely to cause” someone to commit suicide, a provision criticized for its vague language by human rights group Article 19.

Kenya has enacted the new Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, compelling internet and telecommunications service providers to cooperate with authorities in cybercrime investigations or face severe penalties.

• The law was assented to on October 15 by President William Ruto.
• It grants the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) power to block websites promoting illegal activities.
• Penalties for unauthorized SIM-card swaps include a fine of Sh200,000 or a two-year jail term.