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More and more Kenyans are connecting to the internet, most frequently from mobile devices like phones and tablets.
There are, of course, big benefits to increased connectivity. These include the rise of mobile money transactions and access to loans. But there are downsides, too. The country has been targeted by hackers in several major attacks.
In May 2018 the Kenyan government responded to these and other high profile cyber attacks by signing the Computer and Cyber Crime Act into law. This seems a strange decision, since legislation already exists that deals with these issues.
The Kenya Information Communication Act and the Penal Code and its regulations already criminalised several cybercrimes. It could have been amended to, for instance, increase the penalties for certain crimes. Instead its provisions have been superseded by the Computer and Cyber Crime Act.
The new Act is too vague when it comes to important details, particularly those that deal with the issue of surveillance. Will Kenya’s authorities use this legislation to “eavesdrop” on citizens?
It also criminalises the publication online of false information or hate speech. But it does not explain what “hate speech” entails in this context, and seems to lean towards outright censorship in parts. |
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