Six civil society organisations on Wednesday asked Mr Aden Duale, a Kenyan legislator to recall the proposed amendments to amend the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act saying it will expand illegitimate cyber-harassment and cyber-terrorism provisions.
The proposed amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (CMCA), 2018 through the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2021 if enacted, an outright ban on pornography will be enforceable in Kenya.
“The Bill limits the rights to freedom of expression and access to information under Articles 33 and 35 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 respectively,” the group said in a memorandum.
The six said it is appealing to Aden Duale, “To withdraw the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill (Cybercrimes Amendment Bill), 2021, in its entirety”.
Once withdrawn, meaningful consultations should be initiated with a diverse and representative group of stakeholders to align the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018 with national and international law and standards.
The proposed bill seeks to block access to pornographic websites by all persons within Kenya. If approved, failure to comply will expose one to the risk of Ksh 20 million fine or a 25-year jail term or both.
The six include ARTICLE 19, Eastern Africa, Access Now, Bloggers Association of Kenya, Defenders Coalition, The Kenya ICT Action Network, and The Kenya Union of Journalists.
