Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has addressed concerns on the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, stating that much of the information shared online is misleading or inaccurate.
In a statement on October 22, PS Omollo Omollo urged citizens to read the adopted Bill themselves rather than rely on media summaries or social media interpretations, noting that the new law introduces progressive reforms to strengthen Kenya’s cybersecurity framework.
“Much of what is currently circulating online about The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024 is misleading or entirely inaccurate,” read part of the statement.
“Rather than depending on media summaries or social media commentaries, citizens are encouraged to read the adopted Bill to understand what has actually changed.”
President William Ruto, on Wednesday, October 15, assented to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024, officially making it law.
PS Omollo Explains Key Offenses in Cybercrimes Amendment Law
Omollo stated that the amendments expand the mandate of the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4), giving it authority to issue lawful directives against websites linked to child pornography, human trafficking, or terrorism.
In his clarification, the PS noted that the Act introduces new provisions criminalizing deliberate online actions that drive victims to suicide, affirming the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from emerging digital harms.
According to him, the law comes at a crucial time as Kenya accelerates the growth of its Digital Economy through the Digital Superhighway — one of the key pillars of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Also Read: Inside Law That Will See Kenyans Face Ksh 20 Million Fine or 10 Years Jail Over Online Posts
He added that a secure and trustworthy cyberspace is essential for fostering digital innovation, e-commerce, online service delivery, and protecting citizens’ data and livelihoods.
“A secure and trustworthy cyberspace is indispensable to digital innovation, e-commerce, online service delivery, and the protection of citizens’ data and livelihoods,” ended the statement.
Also Read: Cybercrime on the Rise in Africa, Security Experts Say
What Does the Law Say?
The law follows the introduction of Section 46A, which grants courts broad authority to order the deletion of content from digital devices or websites, shut down offending platforms, and approve urgent intervention in suspected cases.
Under this provision, investigators will no longer need to wait for harm to occur, as they now have the authority to act in court before illegal content spreads or goes viral.
“Where an authorised person believes that a computer system, website, or digital device is being used to promote illegal activities, child pornography, terrorism, or extreme religious and cultic practices, the authorised person may apply to court for an order for the removal of the content or materials from the computer system, website, or digital device,” reads part of the law.
Anyone found guilty of cyber harassment faces a fine of up to Ksh 20 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
The law also gives victims the right to seek protection through the courts. A person may apply for a court order to compel the offender to stop the offensive communication or to prevent others from assisting them in continuing such acts.
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