KISUMU — Kenya’s cyber laws are falling behind the pace of digital change. That’s the warning from Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who on Tuesday urged Members of Parliament to act before it’s too late.
Speaking to the Coast Parliamentary Group in Kisumu, Omollo called for an urgent review of the country’s technology-related legislation, pointing to the rising wave of cyberbullying, hate speech, and the misuse of digital platforms.
“Our laws were crafted some time ago, and the technology landscape has shifted dramatically since then,” Omollo told lawmakers. “We need to look again, update what’s outdated, and close the gaps that are now being exploited.”
He singled out the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018, saying it no longer covers the full scale of threats Kenya faces today.
Cybercrime in the country has surged in recent years, with both individuals and institutions increasingly falling prey to data breaches, online scams, and coordinated misinformation campaigns. Government officials have also expressed concern over Kenya’s growing digital footprint, including the risks associated with the commercialisation of space technologies and the use of satellite data.
A tool for progress and harm
“Technology is a double-edged sword,” Omollo said. “It’s enabled innovation, communication, and development. But it also opens new doors for criminal activity. We can’t afford to sit back.”
The Principal Secretary encouraged MPs to benchmark with countries that have introduced more responsive legislation to tackle cyber threats. “Let’s learn from other jurisdictions,” he said. “They’ve figured out ways to regulate online hate speech and digital crime. So can we.”
Omollo’s comments come amid a growing debate in Kenya over digital freedoms, fake news, and the responsibility of tech companies operating in the region. Rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over the misuse of online platforms during elections and in spreading ethnic tension.
But Omollo insists this is not about censorship. “We’re not saying shut down freedoms,” he said. “We’re saying let’s ensure accountability and keep Kenyans safe.”
Eyes on Coastal development
The call for stronger cyber laws came as part of a broader retreat by the Coast Parliamentary Group, which met in Kisumu to discuss regional development challenges. The group’s chair, Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako, said the Coast’s potential was being held back by mismanagement and underinvestment.
“This idea that the Coast is behind must end,” Mwashako said. “We have resources. What we need is commitment and leadership.”
One of the group’s major concerns is the underuse of the Lamu Port, a massive infrastructure project billed as a key driver of Kenya’s economic future. Built as part of the LAPSSET Corridor a strategic initiative linking Kenya to Ethiopia and South Sudan the port has seen limited activity since it opened.
“The government has poured billions into Lamu. It cannot be allowed to become a white elephant,” said Mwashako. “We’re calling on those in charge of public agencies to step up and deliver.”
The meeting was attended by senior officials from key transport and infrastructure bodies, including the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority, the Kenya National Shipping Line, and the Mombasa Water and Sanitation Company.
As Kenya looks to position itself as a regional digital and logistics hub, both cybersecurity and infrastructure remain central to the country’s development agenda. For lawmakers and civil servants alike, the message from Kisumu was simple: the future is coming fast. The law must keep up.
