Principal Secretary (PS) for Internal Security Dr Raymond Omollo has appealed to the legislators to fast-track the amendments of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2018.
He noted that technology has been prone to misuse over the years leading to numerous legal tussles between individuals and institutions.
By strengthening the cyber security laws, he emphasized that the sharing of texts, images and videos will done within the legal frameworks.
Speaking during a parliamentary group retreat in Kisumu this week, Dr Omollo stressed that the new laws will effectively address cyberbullying.
“We have existing laws which were put together seven years ago. A lot of advanced technological innovations are ongoing, which calls for the need to positively secure it,” stated Omollo when he addressed Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators.
According to Dr Omollo, a person can either be a victim or a perpetrator of cyberbullying.
He explained instances of cybercrimes as body shaming a person, discrediting someone’s work, and posting images to destroy someone’s reputation among others.
These crimes, said the PS, affect people psychologically, emotionally or physically, which leads to them ending up committing suicide.
“If you are a victim avoid replying to the negative comments. You should also take legal action and document all the offences to build a strong case,” he advised.
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced and published on 9th August 2024 by the National Assembly.
It principally seeks to amend Cap 79C of the existing Act.
“It prohibits the use of electronic mediums to promote terrorism, extreme religious and cultic practices.”
Clause 3 of the bill seeks to give the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee more roles to issue directives on websites and applications that may be inaccessible within the country.
“Where they promote illegal activities, child pornography, terrorism and extreme religious and cultic practices.”
Similarly, Clauses 4 and 5 seek to amend section 27 of the Act to expand the scope of cyber harassment and section 30 to expand the scope of offence on phishing, respectively.
In addition, Clause 6 seeks to introduce a new section 42A for the offence of unauthorized use of SIM swap.
Article 118 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 requires Parliament to carry out adequate public participation and ensure engagement in the legislative processes.
Some of the sticky challenges in response towards cyberbullying are reported cases of several victims isolating themselves from people to avoid confrontation.
“Parents and guardians ought to keenly monitor their children’s usage of social media platforms. Always block online haters for your peace of mind,” he advised.
