The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has warned Kenyans against the misuse of social media as the country heads toward elections, citing rising concerns over misinformation, cyberbullying, and politically driven propaganda.
CAK chairperson Charles Karondo said the rapid spread of false information online is increasingly being used to mislead the public and harm the reputations of political leaders.
He noted that while social media has greatly improved communication and access to information, its misuse poses a serious threat to national unity, especially during the election period.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Karondo urged Kenyans to act responsibly online and avoid creating or sharing false content. He warned against the growing trend of spreading misleading messages or falsely attributing statements to leaders, saying such actions fuel tension and misinformation that could disrupt peace.
The regulator indicated that the government is strengthening legal and regulatory measures to hold individuals accountable for harmful online behavior. These efforts will target offences such as hate speech, incitement to violence, and the spread of fake news, aiming to prevent unrest linked to unchecked digital content.
Kenya has recently experienced a surge in cyber-related crimes, driven by increased internet access and smartphone usage. CAK reported that data subscriptions rose to 58.5 million, a 27.3 percent increase from 2024, with most users on mobile broadband. Smartphone penetration also reached 83.5 percent by mid-2025, reflecting the growing use of digital services.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act has played a key role in addressing these challenges by criminalizing offences such as cyber harassment, false publication, and unauthorized system access. Penalties include fines of up to Sh20 million, prison terms of up to 10 years, or both. Sim-swapping offences attract a Sh200,000 fine or a two-year jail term, while child pornography crimes carry harsher penalties.
However, some civil society groups have raised concerns that certain provisions of the law could restrict freedom of expression.
Karondo emphasized that with the benefits of digital platforms comes responsibility. He warned that careless or malicious use of social media could destabilize the country if not controlled, especially during a heated political period.
He also encouraged eligible Kenyans, particularly the youth, to register as voters and participate in elections. According to him, voting remains the most effective way to influence leadership and hold leaders accountable, urging citizens to go beyond online discussions and take part in the democratic process.
