Govt to Kenyans: Stop worrying, Cybercrimes Act targets online criminals
By Nancy Marende, October 23, 2025The government has sought to allay public concerns over the recently enacted Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, stating that the law is not intended to suppress freedom of expression but to protect citizens from the growing menace of cybercrime.
In a statement on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, clarified that the new amendments have been misinterpreted by some critics, emphasising that they do not give government agencies unchecked powers to silence dissent or restrict legitimate online activity.
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“It is important to note that the new amendments do not curtail freedom of expression or give government agencies unchecked power to silence dissent, as alleged,” the spokesperson said.
“Rather, they strengthen Kenya’s capacity to combat real and growing threats such as child pornography, online extremism, terrorism propaganda, cyber-harassment, identity theft, and financial fraud.”
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The statement further explained that the Act seeks to align Kenya’s cybercrime laws with evolving digital threats that have increasingly endangered children, businesses, and national security.
“The power given to the National Computer Cybercrimes Coordination Committee, to render a website or application inaccessible is subject to proof that it promotes unlawful activities and any such directive is subject to judicial review in accordance with Articles 47 and 50 of the Constitution.”
High Court
This comes a day after a Nairobi High Court temporarily suspended the implementation of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, which was signed into law by President William Ruto on October 15, 2025, pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed in court.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, issued a conservatory order blocking the enforcement and operation of Section 27(1)(b), (c) and (2) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024.
“Pending the hearing and determination of this application, a conservatory order is hereby issued suspending the enforcement, implementation, and operation of Section 27(1)(b), (c), and (2) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025,” Justice Mugambi directed.
The conservatory order comes after a petition was filed by musician Reuben Kigame and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, challenging the signing of the amended Cybercrimes Act, 2024, by President Ruto.