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Individuals convicted of cyber harassment and other online offences in Kenya now risk fines of up to Sh20 million or a 10-year jail term under a new law signed by President William Ruto.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed on October 15, strengthens the 2018 cybercrime law by introducing stiffer penalties for crimes such as identity theft, phishing, data breaches, and online harassment.
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The revised Section 27 stipulates that anyone found guilty of cyber harassment could face a fine not exceeding Sh20 million, imprisonment for up to ten years, or both.
The law expands the definition of cyber harassment to include any online communication that inflicts psychological distress or drives a person to contemplate suicide.
Additionally, the legislation grants the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NCCCC) the authority to order internet service providers to restrict access to websites, apps, or pages involved in unlawful activity — even without obtaining a court order.
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Authorities say the amendments are intended to combat the rise in online fraud, harassment, and harmful digital content.
However, the law has drawn criticism from some quarters, with concerns that it could infringe on freedom of expression and media rights protected under Articles 33 and 34 of Kenya’s Constitution.
