Kenya's Controversial New Bill: Surveillance or Service?

Concerns Rise in Kenya Over New Bill's Potential for Internet Surveillance NAIROBI, Kenya – A new bill currently under consideration in Kenya's parliament has sparked widespread concern among digital rights advocates and citizens alike. The bill, ostensibly aimed at regulating social media, is viewed by many as a thinly veiled attempt to enable mass surveillance of internet users. Victor Ndede, Tech and Human Rights Manager at Amnesty International, voiced strong reservations about the bill's implications. "When we read this bill carefully," he stated in a recent interview, "it becomes clear that the intent is not just regulation—it’s surveillance. The goal appears to be to monitor what Kenyans are doing on the internet." Ndede's concerns are echoed by others who point to the numerous public statements by government officials calling for tighter control over social media. These calls, originating from various levels of government, suggest a coordinated effort to increase oversight of online activity. The bill's critics argue that its vaguely defined provisions could be used to justify widespread data collection and monitoring, potentially violating the privacy rights of millions of Kenyans. The lack of clear guidelines on what constitutes acceptable "customer usage" further fuels these concerns. The potential for such surveillance raises significant questions about freedom of expression and the balance between security and individual liberties in the digital sphere. The debate over this bill is likely to continue, with implications for Kenya's digital landscape and the rights of its citizens.