Kenya - October 2025

On 15 October, President William Ruto signed into law eight bills, including the amended Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, expanding state powers to block websites and delete online content. The law empowers the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee—composed largely of security officials—to order content removal without court oversight. Officials say the changes will counter terrorism, cybercrime, and SIM-swap fraud. However, civil society groups and lawmakers, including Senator Okiya Omtatah, warn the law contains vague provisions that risk criminalizing legitimate speech and silencing critics. ARTICLE 19 said the legislation contravenes international human rights standards. Critics are especially concerned about its potential use against the recent youth-led protest movement, which has relied on social media to mobilize. The government denies the reforms threaten freedom of expression, saying they are necessary to protect citizens and national security.

Sources: National Council for Law Reporting (Kenya Law), Africa Confidential Africa Confidential, ARTICLE 19, The Kenyan Wall Street, The Star, International IDEA