By Michelle Dibo
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke, shared compelling insights into Kenya’s digital transformation during a panel session at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva.
The discussion, centered on balancing digital rights with ethical governance, brought to light both the opportunities and challenges posed by the rapid expansion of Kenya’s information society.
“Kenya’s digital landscape is driven by an energetic youth population, with over 22 million social media users actively shaping political discourse, civic engagement, and entrepreneurial ventures,” Isaboke said.
“Platforms such as TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook have become essential tools for communication and mobilization.”
As Isaboke emphasized, the legal and ethical frameworks surrounding these digital spaces are still evolving, and the gaps must be addressed to ensure inclusive and responsible development.
He acknowledged the critical role of the 2010 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and access to information.
However, practical implementation remains uneven.
The Access to Information Act of 2016 was a milestone in promoting transparency, but bureaucratic delays and institutional reluctance especially at county levels continue to hinder progress.
“Many citizens are also unaware of their rights under this law, limiting its impact on accountability and openness,” he said.
Concerns were raised about the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018, particularly its vague definitions of “false information” and “cyber harassment.”
According to Isaboke, such ambiguity risks curbing free speech and could lead to the misuse of law enforcement powers, especially in politically charged environments.
“To safeguard civil liberties and ensure legal clarity, the Government is currently reviewing existing laws and regulations governing the digital space,” the PS said.
Isaboke stressed that the youth, as the primary drivers of Kenya’s digital engagement, must be protected from misinformation, cyberbullying, fraud, and other online risks.
He underscored the importance of strengthening digital literacy nationwide, not only through school curricula but also via sustained public campaigns.
Bridging the digital divide is essential to ensure equitable access to digital tools and information across different regions and demographics.
During his address, Isaboke proposed targeted reforms, including clearer definitions of cybercrime offenses, stronger protections for whistleblowers, and expanded powers for the Commission on Administrative Justice.
He added that public officers should be equipped with training in transparency protocols to ensure government institutions meet their obligations under access to information laws.
To advance ethical governance in the digital sphere, Isaboke called for inclusive forums that bring together government agencies, technology firms, civil society organizations, and young digital users.
These dialogues, he suggested, should focus on developing ethical guidelines and transparency measures, particularly around content moderation and AI-driven algorithms.
He said a national digital rights strategy would be instrumental in weaving these efforts into a coherent and sustainable framework.
The WSIS+20 High-Level Event, which ends tomorrow (Friday) in Geneva, is co-hosted by the International Telecommunication Union and the Swiss Confederation.
Kenya is a prominent stakeholder and is actively implementing the WSIS Action Lines, which align closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
