Kenya has introduced far-reaching legal reforms after President William Ruto signed seven key bills into law, including a tough new measure to curb online crime.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 gives authorities power to block websites and digital platforms used for crimes such as terrorism, child exploitation, identity theft, fraud, and cyber harassment. The signing took place on October 15, 2025, the same day the nation mourned the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Under the new Section 46A, the National Computer and Cyber-Crimes Coordination Committee (N4Cs) can now apply to court for orders to remove or block digital content linked to illegal activities
. The law states: "If an authorised person believes that a computer system, website or digital device is being used to promote illegal activities, child pornography, terrorism or extremist religious activities and cultic practices, the authorised person may apply to court for an order for the removal of content or materials from the computer system, website or digital device."
The Bill, introduced by Wajir East MP Aden Mohamed, follows a recent court decision that raised concern over the country’s ability to regulate online platforms spreading harmful material.
The Act clarifies definitions related to cyber offences, allowing investigators to trace, freeze, and recover assets linked to digital crimes. Courts will now be empowered to issue removal orders for extremist or unlawful content following conviction.
In addition to the cyber law, Ruto also signed six other bills covering land management, police welfare, privatization, and wildlife protection. The Privatization Act 2025 seeks to improve the performance of public enterprises by allowing the sale of select state-owned firms.
The government plans to raise Sh100 billion from the sale of entities such as the Kenya Pipeline Company to help reduce the Sh871 billion budget deficit for the 2025/26 fiscal year. The Act establishes a Privatization Authority and a Privatization Appeals Board to handle related matters.
The National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Act 2024, sponsored by Suna West MP Peter Masara, directs the creation of psychosocial support centers in all counties to promote mental wellness among officers.
The Land (Amendment) Act 2022, introduced by Ruiru MP Simon King’ara, requires that all public land reserved for government institutions or social use be registered and gazetted to prevent illegal acquisition. “This ensures that all public land and land set aside by developers for public amenities such as schools and hospitals is registered and publicised. This will prevent any grabbing of the land or its later use for a private purpose,” the National Assembly said.
The National Land Commission (Amendment) Act 2023, fronted by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, extends the commission’s powers to review and resolve historical land injustices until October 2030. “The extension shall allow the commission to resolve land issues in Coastal counties and issues relating to public land previously earmarked for settlement of landless persons by the government,” Baya explained.
Also signed was the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Act 2023, which expands compensation for wildlife-related injuries, deaths, and damage.
Sponsored by Lamu East MP Capt. Ruweida Obo, it includes a broader list of animals, from elephants and lions to sharks and snakes. “This will ensure that persons who live along water bodies are entitled to payment of compensation as a result of death or injury from the specified wildlife species,” said Obo.
The government will use funds from the Supplementary Budget 2022/23 to clear pending compensation claims estimated at over Sh2.6 billion. Each verified claim will receive up to Sh5 million.
The Kenya Wildlife Service reports that baboons and monkeys are responsible for most cases of human-wildlife conflict, prompting the strengthening of Problem Animal Control units to prevent further incidents.
The Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Act 2025 merges two tourism-related funds to create a single, efficient Tourism Fund to support sector development.
Together, the seven laws are expected to enhance Kenya’s digital security, protect public land, support police wellbeing, and improve wildlife compensation mechanisms, underscoring the government’s broader reform agenda.
