Kenya Upgrades Cybercrime Law to Hand Gov’t Sweeping Powers to Block Websites
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Act, 2024, was one of the bills signed into law by President William Ruto last Wednesday morning...
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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.
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President Ruto Signs Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Into Law - October 2025
President William Ruto signed the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law on Wednesday, October 15. The newly enacted legislation grants the Kenyan government extensive authority to block social media platforms, websites, and online applications implicated in illicit activities or deemed harmful. The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024 also compels internet and telecommunications service providers to cooperate with authorities in cybercrime investigations. Providers who fail to cooperate will face severe penalties. Following the enactment of these sweeping powers, significant concerns have been raised about freedom of expression.
