Kenya Enacts Law Imposing Sh20mn Fine For Cybercrimes

 Individuals convicted of cyber harassment or other online offenses in Kenya now face penalties of up to Sh20 million or a prison sentence of up to ten years, following the enactment of a new law by President William Ruto.


The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, which was signed into law on October 15, enhances the 2018 legislation by imposing stricter penalties for crimes such as cyber harassment, identity theft, phishing, and data breaches. According to the revised Section 27, individuals found guilty of cyber harassment may incur a fine not exceeding Sh20 million, a prison term of up to ten years, or both. Additionally, the law expands the definition of cyber harassment to encompass online communications that inflict psychological harm or may lead an individual to consider suicide. Moreover, it grants the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NCCCC) the authority to instruct internet service providers to restrict access to websites, applications, or pages that promote illegal activities, even in the absence of a court order. Officials assert that the new regulations are designed to combat the rise in online fraud, harassment, and harmful digital content. Nevertheless, the law has ignited discussions regarding its possible effects on online freedom of expression and media operations, which are protected under Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pressure is increasing on the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to relocate Principal Hellen Mabese Luhangala of Tengecha Girls High School

Image
As the third term approaches its conclusion, stakeholders at Tengecha Girls High School in Kericho County are fervently urging the TSC to facilitate the transfer of Principal Hellen Mabese Luhangala.   In a conversation with Citizen Daily News, conducted under strict anonymity due to concerns of retaliation, parents and certain members of the local community assert that Hellen has remained in her position for an extended period without any visible development projects to demonstrate her leadership. The local community is now requesting that the TSC appoint a new principal in January, ideally someone who is a “daughter of the soil.” They allege that she has become adept at leading through authoritarian methods, coercion, intimidation, and threats against those who oppose her alleged involvement in corrupt practices, which have resulted in the misappropriation of public funds during her tenure. Furthermore, it is reported that she employs intimidation tactics against members of th...
Read more

The Auditor General has revealed financial mismanagement at St. Michael Kabaa, prompting parents to urge the EACC to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute Paul Mwangele

Image
The report uncovers significant corruption and exploitation of parents through unlawful levies. The embezzlement of public funds occurred during Mwangele's leadership, during which parents accused him of acting independently, while those expressing differing views were coerced, threatened, and intimidated into accepting illegal practices. Parents are now requesting that the EACC conduct a more thorough investigation to uncover the loss and theft of public funds. Auditor Gener Nancy Gathungu has raised concerns over unsupported payments for tuition and boarding school payments amounting to millions which were not supported by any purchase orders, request for quotations and professional opinions. She said many schools failed to provide evidence to support how they spent the funds. According to the report, despite some schools receiving revenues from Parents Association, the revenue was not deposited to the school account. IRREGULAR TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT FUNDS TO SCHOOL FUND ACCOUNT...
Read more

The financial mismanagement at ENOOMATASIANI GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL has been brought to light.

Image
  The most recent report from the Auditor General for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, has uncovered mismanagement at Enoomatasiani High School under the administration of Principal Tabitha Mbabu (TSC No. 224359). There are calls for her transfer over mismanagement and not very impressive academic excellence under her leadership. As per the report, the statement of receipts and payments indicates that the school's fund income from parents' contributions amounts to Kshs. 89,627,445, as detailed in Note 4 of the financial statements. An examination of the school's fee structure during the review period revealed that the school fees were raised beyond the limits set by the Ministry of Education (MOE), resulting in an unauthorized increase in annual fees of Kshs. 15,000 for form one students and Kshs. 18,000 for students in other classes. This action contravenes Regulation 44 of the Basic Education Regulations, 2015, which stipulates that no public school or instit...
Read more