Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has dismissed widespread misinformation surrounding the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, urging Kenyans to seek accurate information from the official legislation rather than relying on misleading online commentaries or media summaries.
In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, PS Omollo clarified that much of what is circulating online about the new law is “misleading or entirely inaccurate,” emphasizing that citizens should read the adopted Bill to understand what has actually changed.
“The amendments are progressive,” said Dr. Omollo, adding that they expand the mandate of the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) by empowering it to issue lawful directives against websites involved in child pornography, human trafficking, or terrorism.
He noted that the strengthened powers granted to NC4 are meant to enhance Kenya’s national cyber resilience and ensure that law enforcement agencies can respond effectively to harmful online activity threatening public safety and national security.
“The law introduces new provisions criminalizing deliberate cyberspace actions that drive victims to suicide,” Omollo added. “This underscores the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from emerging digital harms.”
PS Omollo acknowledged that the law has triggered public concern and speculation online, with some users expressing fears that it could be used to suppress digital freedoms.
In response, he posted the key provisions of the Bill on his official X (formerly Twitter) account to help the public access accurate information directly from the source.
The PS said the enactment of the 2024 amendments comes at a critical time when Kenya is accelerating the growth of its Digital Economy under the Digital Superhighway, one of the key pillars of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“A secure and trustworthy cyberspace is indispensable to digital innovation, e-commerce, online service delivery, and the protection of citizens’ data and livelihoods,” he added.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to creating a safe digital ecosystem where innovation and expression can thrive without compromising public security or human dignity.
