CAK warns Kenyans on social media misuse ahead of polls

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The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has signaled tighter oversight of social media use as the country approaches elections, amid growing concerns over misinformation, cyberbullying, and politically motivated online propaganda.

CAK chairperson Charles Karondo warned that the rapid spread of false information on digital platforms is increasingly being used to manipulate unsuspecting Kenyans and damage the reputations of political leaders.

He noted that while social media has transformed communication and access to information, its misuse poses a serious risk to national cohesion, particularly during the sensitive electioneering period.

Karondo urged Kenyans to exercise responsibility in their online engagements, cautioning against the deliberate creation and sharing of fabricated content.

“We have a great privilege to have social media which has significantly improved our lives and therefore, I want to ask that we be responsible in how we use it,” he said.

He highlighted a rising trend where individuals generate misleading messages or falsely attribute statements to leaders, despite knowing they are untrue.

Such actions, Karondo said, not only misinform the public but also heighten tensions that could undermine peace and unity.

The regulator indicated that the government is putting in place stricter legal and regulatory frameworks to hold individuals accountable for harmful online behaviour.

These measures are expected to target offences such as hate speech, incitement to violence, and the spread of fake news, with authorities aiming to prevent scenarios seen in other countries where unchecked digital content has fueled unrest.

Kenya has in recent years grappled with a surge in cyber-related offences, driven by increased internet penetration and widespread smartphone use.

The authority announced in October last year that data subscriptions had grown to 58.5 million, marking a 27.3 per cent increase from 52.5 million in 2024. Of these, 78.2 per cent were on mobile broadband, with 4G services accounting for 81.2 per cent of broadband subscriptions.

The uptake of digital services was attributed to societal trends, including the rising use of e-services and a continued shift from feature phones to smartphones, whose penetration reached 83.5 per cent by June 2025.

The enforcement of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act marked a significant step in addressing these challenges, criminalising offences such as cyber harassment, false publication, and unauthorised access to computer systems.

The law provides for penalties of up to Sh20 million, a 10-year imprisonment, or both for cyber harassment, while sim-swapping is punishable by a fine of Sh200,000 or a two-year jail term. Child pornography offences carry fines of Sh20 million or 25-year jail terms.

However, civil society groups and sections of the public have previously raised concerns that some provisions of the law could limit freedom of expression.

Karondo emphasized that accountability must go hand in hand with the privileges offered by digital platforms. He warned that careless or malicious use of social media could push the country into instability if left unchecked, especially during a heated political season.

“Let’s remember that if we burn this country, we have no other place to go or call home,” he said while issuing food hampers to over 2,000 residents of Mjini settlements to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

Karondo also called on eligible Kenyans, especially young people, to register as voters, saying that voting remains the most important avenue through which they can influence leadership and hold elected officials accountable.

He argued that patriotism goes beyond online activism, urging citizens to translate their opinions into tangible civic action at the ballot. He maintained that broad participation in elections would not only strengthen democracy but also ensure that leaders reflect the will of the people.