Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, has strongly defended the newly enacted Cyber and Computer Crime Act, dismissing the online uproar surrounding it as being fueled by misinformation.
Speaking on Inooro FM on Tuesday, Kabogo clarified that the law signed by President William Ruto on October 15, 2025 is designed to protect Kenyans from the growing threats of cybercrime and online abuse.
“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,” Kabogo stated.
He dismissed claims that the law seeks to stifle free speech, insisting that its purpose is to safeguard citizens, not silence them. “Governments come and go, but laws remain. There is no intention to create laws that work against Kenyans,” he emphasized.
Kabogo pointed out that while digital platforms have created new economic opportunities, they have also become hotbeds for child pornography, online scams, and revenge pornography. He stressed that the law empowers authorities to address such crimes more effectively.
Kenya reportedly faces two million cyberattacks daily, underscoring the urgency of a robust legal framework. “There are syndicates involved in child trafficking and other crimes that operate online. Regulation is necessary,” he added.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill 2024, sponsored by Wajir East MP Aden Mohamed, expands the Act to include offences such as phishing, cyber harassment, and unauthorized SIM-swap.
Violators risk fines of up to Ksh 20 million or imprisonment of up to 10 years, depending on the offence. Kabogo concluded by stating that the law is only harsh on those who engage in criminal behavior: “Without regulation, online spaces would descend into anarchy.”
