- KICTANet - KICTANet

Fallout in Kenyan state house over procurement if digital propaganda spying surveillance software
by Mwendwa Kivuva 22 May '25

22 May '25

A recent court case has revealed significant infighting among State House aides in Kenya, exposing a disorganized communication strategy within President William Ruto's administration. The legal filings detail internal disputes and a chaotic approach to managing propaganda and official messaging, highlighting tensions and a lack of coordination among top presidential advisers. The fallout was over the procurement of a digital propaganda spying surveillance software. https://nation.africa/kenya/news/propaganda-system-court-case-exposes-infig… Best Regards, ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwendwa-kivuva

3 2

Proposed Social Media Law in Kenya
by Wainaina Mungai 22 May '25

22 May '25

Proposed Social Media Law in Kenya: What It Means for Your Privacy, Free Expression, and the Youth https://kmpadvocatesllp.com/proposed-social-media-law-in-kenya-what-it-mean… -- Wainaina Mungai mobile: +254722811171 email: wainaina(a)mafichoni.co.ke LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/wainainamungai www.mafichoni.co.ke

2 1

APPRECIATION FOR INVITATION AND INTEREST IN FUTURE ENGAGEMENTS
by CLINTON ONYIMBO 19 May '25

19 May '25

Dear Sir/Madam, Greetings, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the invitation to today’s “Talk to Your Regulator” launch event. It was a valuable experience, and I appreciate the opportunity to participate. I am also interested in receiving more information and exploring possibilities for future engagements. Kind regards, Clinton Onyimbo

1 0

Invitation to Review and Comment on Draft Guidance Notes – Data Protection Act, 2019
by David Indeje 19 May '25

19 May '25

Dear Listers, The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has developed several sector-specific draft guidance notes aimed at assisting entities in complying with the requirements of the Data Protection Act, 2019. We invite you to review these draft guidance notes and provide your valuable feedback by 30th May 2025. https://www.odpc.go.ke/draft-guidance-notes/ Your input is crucial in ensuring that these guidelines are comprehensive and practical for all stakeholders. -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

1 0

Standards to indicate permissions for internet scraping for AI training
by Benson Muite 19 May '25

19 May '25

There is an IETF process underway to standardize a machine readable way to indicate permissions associated with how online content can be used for AI training. The aim is to find an ai.txt specification analogous to the robot.txt specification put on many websites. For more information see: https://datatracker.ietf.org/group/aicontrolws/materials/ Feedback is sought. Benson

3 3

Highlights: Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025 – Shaping Africa’s Digital Future
by David Indeje 18 May '25

18 May '25

[image: Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025] Dear Lister, The inaugural Africa Tech Policy Summit (AfTPS), held from May 12–16, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, was a landmark event in advancing inclusive digital transformation across Africa. Convened by KICTANet, a leading ICT policy think tank, the summit was supported by a robust coalition of partners, including the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme, GIZ’s Digital Transformation Centre, Meta Platforms Inc., Safaricom, Association of Progressive Communications (APC), Communications Authority, Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA),Huawei, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Amazon Web Services, Inc., Mzalendo, Media Council of Kenya, Kenya Network Information Center (KeNIC), Technology Service Providers of Kenya (TESPOK), Paradigm Initiative, Internet Governance Forum Support Association (IGFSA), EU’s KenSafeSpaces and CADE (Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment), Internet Society Foundation, Belva Digital, and Syokinet as the connectivity partner. Bringing together over 600 stakeholders—policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society, academia, and tech innovators—the summit operated under the theme *“Tech for Human Development: Policy, Innovation, and Inclusive Governance.”* It fostered multi-stakeholder collaboration to craft actionable policy recommendations, positioning Africa as a global leader in digital governance. Below is a comprehensive summary of the summit’s key events, outcomes, and impact. Key Events and Highlights 1. *Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF) – May 14, 2025*. The 18th KeIGF <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenya-igf-2025-tech-for-inclusive-human-developm…>, themed *“Tech for Human Development: Policy, Innovation, and Inclusive Governance,”* facilitated open dialogue on internet governance, aligning with Kenya’s constitutional values of inclusivity and public participation. Discussions focused on fostering home-grown tech solutions, creating ecosystems for AI and emerging technologies, and harmonizing policies for sustainable growth. The event included Youth and 6th Children’s IGFs and featured an award ceremony for 37 graduates of the Kenya School of Internet Governance (KeSIG). <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kesig-2025-37-graduates-complete-internet-govern…> 2. *East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF) – May 15–16, 2025. *In its 12th edition, the EAIGF <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/east-africa-internet-governance-forum-2025-a-reg…>, themed *“Advancing East Africa’s Digital Governance Together,” * emphasized regional collaboration. Convened by KICTANet and the East African Community (EAC), it facilitated knowledge exchange and best practice sharing among East African stakeholders. Dr Grace Githaiga, KICTANet convenor, underscored the need for unified digital governance, urging East African leaders to align policies for a cohesive digital economy. 3. *KICTANet-KenSafeSpaces Policy Hackathon – May 16, 2025.* The KenSafeSpaces Policy Hackathon, supported by the European Union, Internews, and Internet Without Borders, brought together grassroots CSOs and CBOs to co-create policy solutions for a democratic, safe, and inclusive digital environment. Sixty-nine applications were received, with nine three-member teams competing across three thematic areas: - Safeguarding Digital Identity and Data Protection - Combating Online Harassment and Promoting Digital Safety - Enhancing Content Moderation and Platform Accountability [image: Data Labellers Association Winners of the Kensafe Policy Hackathon] *Winners were: * * - Data Labellers Association (€4,000): “Protecting Kenya’s AI Data Workers,” addressing mental health and fair pay for AI data workers. - AbleRise Africa (€3,000): “Enhancing Content Moderation & Platform Accountability for Persons with Disabilities,” promoting accessibility for PWDs in informal settlements. - The Youth Cafe (€2,000): “Cyber Rights Campus Connect,” educating students on cybercrime laws.* Strategic Context and Impact AfTPS aligned with Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032 and the Digital Superhighway initiative, emphasizing digital inclusion and economic transformation. It supported the African Union’s Agenda 2063, positioning Africa as a creator of technology. With Kenya’s ICT sector valued at $110 billion, the summit addressed challenges like the digital divide, cybersecurity, and ethical AI deployment. <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenyas-digital-transformation-spotlighted-at-dap…> The summit also highlighted the precarious state of digital activists, with over 50 abductions in 2024 linked to protests like the #RejectFinanceBill movement, underscoring the need for stronger protections. Geopolitical shifts were noted as a threat to African digital rights funding, <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/geopolitical-shifts-threaten-african-digital-rig…> with declining support from traditional donors risking the sustainability of advocacy efforts. The gig economy’s rapid growth, driven by digital platforms, was recognized as a key driver of employment <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/shaping-the-future-of-work-that-is-the-kenyas-gi…>, particularly for youth and women, but requires policies to ensure fair wages and worker protections. A UK Digital Access Programme (DAP) workshop <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/kenyas-digital-transformation-spotlighted-at-dap…> emphasized Kenya’s progress in connectivity, with 43% internet penetration, and stressed the need for continued investment in school connectivity and digital skills to bridge the digital divide. AFTPS 2025 Outcomes Outcomes included actionable policy recommendations, strengthened regional partnerships, and contributions to global tech governance frameworks that place emphasis on trust, inclusivity, and sustainability as core principles. *Broader Ecosystem Engagement* AfTPS complemented other 2025 tech summits, such as the Connected Africa Summit (May 26–29, Diani), focusing on cross-border collaboration and emerging technologies, and the Africa Tech Summit Nairobi (February 12–13), which celebrated innovations in fintech, health tech, and climate tech. AfTPS distinguished itself by prioritising policy harmonisation and inclusive governance, fostering a collaborative environment for stakeholders. The summit’s focus on digital advocacy highlighted creative strategies like anonymous social media campaigns and encrypted tools to ensure activist safety, reflecting Kenya’s resilient digital advocacy landscape. Conclusion The Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025, convened by KICTANet and backed by a diverse coalition, solidified Kenya’s leadership in Africa’s digital transformation. By uniting stakeholders to address policy challenges, the summit delivered solutions for inclusive, safe, and innovative digital ecosystems. The KenSafeSpaces Policy Hackathon exemplified this mission, empowering grassroots organisations to drive change. Despite challenges like activist safety, funding constraints, and privacy concerns, AfTPS set a precedent for collaborative governance, paving the way for a sustainable digital future. -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

1 0

INVITATION TO LAUNCH OF ‘TALK TO YOUR REGULATOR’ INITIATIVE ON 19 MAY
by bkimari＠chrips.or.ke 17 May '25

17 May '25

Dear Partner, The Kenya non-profit organizations' Working Group on the Financial Action Task Force in partnership with the Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority (PBORA) invite you to the Launch of the "Talk To Your Regulator" (T2R) Initiative. The launch will be a hybrid half-day meeting that will take place on Monday, 19th May 2025 at Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi from 8:00 am-2:00pm. The conference will bring together diverse civil society organisations, oversight and regulatory bodies, and representatives of financial institutions and development partners to share insights and debate critical issues related to oversight and regulation of terror financing risks in Kenya's non-profit sector. Discussions will focus on fostering an enabling environment for non-profit organisations by bridging the knowledge gaps in the regulatory framework, mitigating their misapplication and addressing adverse effects on the civic space. The timing of this conversation is crucial as the Public Benefits Organizations Act (PBO Act) 2013 comes into operation, and as the Government of Kenya works to address deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime. Kenya was grey listed in 2024 following Mutual Evaluation by the East and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG). The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regional body found that Kenya lacks a clear strategy for prosecution of money laundering offenses, has not adequately investigated and prosecuted terror financing, and has an underdeveloped risk-based approach to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) supervision. It further concluded that while Kenya has a large non-profit sector, it is largely unsupervised and unregulated, hence the risk of terror financing abuse remains unidentified. The Talk to Your Regulator (T2R) Initiative aims to foster stakeholder collaboration and dialogue to develop actionable strategies for ensuring risk-based approaches are taken in terror financing oversight and regulation of the NPO sector. With Kenya now on the FATF's grey list and subject to increased monitoring, there is impetus to review the interrelated factors that have led to an uncoordinated regulatory and supervision regime in the non-profit sector. Through the T2R, the NPO Working Group will work to ensure civil society voice and representation in efforts to revise the NPO regulatory framework. This collaborative approach will help ensure that oversight and regulation measures are effective in combating financial crimes, risk-based, and do not disrupt or discourage legitimate NPO activity. Please find attached the Launch agenda and concept note, which outlines the topics to be discussed and the objectives of the event. Please confirm physical attendance by responding to this email or register using this link if you wish to attend online https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/l9_8ejKFSPiOh5e3d3sA5g For any enquiries about the conference or the NPO Working Group, please reach out to bkimari(a)chrips.or.ke or f.okado(a)muhuri.org We look forward to your participation and collaboration. Best, Kimari Programme Manager, Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies

20 20

KICTANet Hosts East Africa Internet Governance
by David Indeje 16 May '25

16 May '25

[image: 1.png] Dear Listers, We are hosting the 12th 2025 East Africa Internet Governance Forum <https://eaigf.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/East-Africa-2025-concept-no…> in partnership with the East Africa Community – EAC and other East Africa NRIs under the theme, “Advancing East Africa’s Digital Governance Together.” The theme reflects the recognition that effective digital governance requires collective effort and shared vision. It underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation in shaping policies, standards, and practices that will enable East Africa to fully harness the benefits of the digital age while mitigating associated risks. Register for Virtual participation: Zoom Webinar. <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MvnCSh-CTtS-qmVivwQl4Q> -- *Kind Regards,* *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

1 0

Happening now: Join us at the 2025 East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF).
by Neema Mujesia 15 May '25

15 May '25

[image: image.png] Join us at the 2025 East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF). Hosted by KICTANet in partnership with the East Africa Community (EAC) and East Africa NRIs, this year’s EAIGF is themed “Advancing East Africa’s Digital Governance Together.” This theme highlights the power of collective action in shaping effective digital policies, standards, and practices. Together, we can unlock the full potential of the digital age for East Africa while addressing its challenges. When: Today (Day 0) Where: Virtual Register Now: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85274696168 Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to East Africa’s digital future! Join policymakers, innovators, and stakeholders in driving multi-stakeholder cooperation. #EAIGF2025 #DigitalGovernance #EastAfrica #InternetGovernance #AfricaTechPolicySummit With Best Regards, *Neema Mujesia,* Communications Officer@*KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> @NeemaMasitsa <https://x.com/NeemaMasitsa?t=j6CNaieXaw74Mleb0-7YcA&s=09>| LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/neema-masitsa-254350222/> ___________________________. KICTANet.or.ke <https://kictanet.or.ke/> | X <https://twitter.com/kictanet> | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/company/kictanet/> | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/> | Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/kictanet/> | Youtube <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcLVjnPtTGBEeYLGUb2Yow/videos> | TikTok <https://www.tiktok.com/@kictanet> | WhatsApp <https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaQsX4w6mYPIctLsGh1K> KICTANet: *Transformed communities through the power of ICTs *

1 0

Reminder: Kenya IGF Happening Today – Register Now!
by David Indeje 14 May '25

14 May '25

Dear Listers, This is a quick reminder that the Kenya Internet Governance Forum (Kenya IGF) is happening today! Join stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, academia, media, and the public for an open, inclusive dialogue on Internet governance under the theme: *“Tech for Human Development: Policy, Innovation and Inclusive Governance.”* This forum supports Kenya’s values of inclusive governance and Africa’s digital transformation goals. *Register now* For Physical Attendance <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kenya-igf-2025-tickets-1307850970459?aff=oddtd…> For Virtual Participation <https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LaCcfdnfRsyL7bJmcXHwiA> Best Regards *David Indeje* *@**KICTANet* <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/> * Communications *_____________________________________ +254 (0) 711 385 945 | +254 (0) 734 024 856 KICTANet portals Connect With Us <https://linktr.ee/Kictanet> ______________________________________

1 0