BAKE Report: Kenya’s digital freedoms are fading as Government overreach grows

A new report from the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) paints a stark picture of the country’s digital landscape, warning that while Kenya has made immense progress as a tech leader, its online freedoms are under serious threat.

The report, State of the Internet in Kenya: 2020-2024, reveals a troubling trend of government overreach, surveillance, and censorship that has eroded civil liberties and the digital rights of citizens.

The period between 2020 and 2024 saw significant growth in Kenya’s digital economy, with a thriving mobile money ecosystem and a blossoming startup scene. However, this progress has been accompanied by a wave of repressive state actions. The report highlights how laws like the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (CMCA) have been weaponized to criminalize online speech, leading to the harassment, abduction, and even death of bloggers and activists critical of political figures.

According to the report, the government’s use of internet shutdowns and throttling during public dissent, notably during the recent #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests, marks an alarming departure from Kenya’s history of open internet access. These actions not only violate the right to freedom of expression but also inflict significant economic losses.

James Wamathai, Director of Partnerships & Advocacy at BAKE, emphasized the paradox at the heart of the report’s findings: “While we’ve made incredible strides in connectivity and innovation, these gains are being overshadowed by a troubling trend of government overreach, surveillance, and repression. The internet should be a tool for empowerment and economic growth, not a weapon against citizens.”

The report also sheds light on the precarious conditions of tech workers, including content moderators who face grueling conditions without adequate mental health support. It notes that a legal vacuum leaves online content creators vulnerable to exploitative contracts and a lack of fundamental labor protections.

The report concludes with a strong call for urgent reforms. It recommends amending repressive laws, strengthening the independence of regulatory bodies, and enacting robust legal protections for bloggers, content creators, tech workers, and journalists to safeguard Kenya’s digital future and ensure its progress is both equitable and free.