The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has warned Kenyans that hate speech shared on social media is punishable by law, just like words spoken offline, as the country faces rising online hostility.
In a public awareness poster released on Thursday, the commission said digital platforms do not protect users from responsibility and urged Kenyans to behave responsibly when using phones and computers.
The message, titled Hate Speech Online Is Still Hate Speech!! stresses that abusive messages sent behind screens can still lead to legal action.
The commission said many people wrongly believe that anonymity or physical distance shields them from consequences, a belief that has contributed to rising cyberbullying, threats, harassment and offensive remarks online.
“Screens do not remove accountability,” the poster states, urging users to think carefully before posting or sharing harmful content.
The campaign poster shows a young person sitting with their arms around their knees while offensive speech bubbles surround their screen, highlighting the emotional impact of online abuse. NCIC said such abuse often targets minors, women and vulnerable groups.
The commission noted that digital hostility tends to rise during political periods and moments of national tension, and warned that online hate speech can escalate into real-world conflict if not addressed early.
To help the public report incidents, NCIC listed several reporting channels, including the toll-free SMS line 1547, the NCIC website www.cohesion.go.ke and the official hotline 0702 777 000.
NCIC said it works with law enforcement agencies to investigate verified cases and that individuals or organised groups can face prosecution if found responsible for hate speech.
The commission called on citizens to stay alert, avoid sharing harmful messages and report violations, saying maintaining peace is a shared duty.
On January 20, NCIC introduced social media monitoring rules aimed at reducing online hate speech and ethnic tensions as Kenya prepares for the 2027 general elections. The rules outline how digital evidence will be collected, how harmful posts will be identified and how agencies will coordinate to hold offenders accountable amid concerns over growing political intolerance and violence.
The commission said the guidelines are not meant to limit free expression but to balance rights with responsibility to protect all Kenyans.
NCIC also urged political leaders, influencers and social media users to act with restraint and responsibility when communicating online.
