This archive report was first published on 4 November 2021.
On November 4, 2021, Kenya took a significant step towards combating cybercrime and social media abuse with the unveiling of the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4) secretariat.
The NC4 will focus on addressing the misuse of social media, which Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i described as a major threat to national security and integration.
Dr. Matiang'i emphasized the need for a sustained crackdown on social media bullies, particularly in the run-up to the general election. He noted that digital communication and transactions are becoming increasingly prevalent in both the public and private sectors.
"As we approach the general elections, our challenge number one is the misuse and abuse of social media," Dr. Matiang'i said, adding that all arms of the government must invest in relevant training to address the issue.
ICT CS Joe Mucheru echoed Dr. Matiang'i's sentiments, stating that the new law was necessary to support the digital economy and calling for its stringent application.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Karanja Kibicho, who chairs the NC4, said the unveiling of the secretariat will deter rampant abuse and character assassinations on social media.
The NC4 was established under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act of 2018 to enable timely prohibition, detection, investigation, prosecution, and response to computer misuse and cybercrime.
