This archive report was first published on 25 July 2021.
July 25, 2021, marked a significant milestone in Kenya's digital landscape, with a population of 51.58 million, of which 43.3 million have access to the internet. This rapid growth has been facilitated by more affordable devices and declining mobile data plans.
According to Jumia statistics, smartphone use is ubiquitous, with over 90 per cent of users accessing social media platforms. WhatsApp dominates with 74 per cent, followed by Facebook at 70 per cent and Twitter at 50 per cent.
However, this increased penetration and usage of technology have also led to a rise in online harassment. Statistics from McAfee Intel and the Cyber-Bullying Research Centre reveal that over 87 per cent of today's youths have witnessed cyberbullying, with nearly 69 per cent experiencing it. Alarmingly, 41 per cent of victims are girls, while 28 per cent are boys.
Women in the workforce are particularly vulnerable to online harassment, with common acts including cyberstalking, sexual harassment, surveillance, and unauthorized use of personal information. The Association of Media Women in Kenya and Article 19 of Eastern Africa have highlighted these concerns.
As technology continues to evolve, every age group has become susceptible to cyberbullying, including politicians, journalists, and media houses. The anonymity of the internet has enabled bullies to thrive, resulting in depression, suicide, or platform deactivation.
Public figures have recommended that ignorance or confiscating technology is not a viable solution. Instead, productive keys need to be put in place to address and come up with solutions to this issue.
Adobe's recent development of a tool to identify photoshopped images is a step in the right direction. This tool will help identify manipulated pictures aimed at jeopardizing a person's image. It is essential to talk to well-informed individuals for guidance and avoid sharing information that might be used against you.
Psychological preparation is also crucial in acknowledging the severity of online harassment and its impact on mental health. The prevention of cyberbullying is highly neglected in Kenya, and it is high time we revise our statute books to legislate against online harassment.
Agencies such as the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) and the Kenya Police should lead in generating awareness and enforcement to eliminate this escalating problem.
