Good eveningIn a previous thread I have mentioned how CSP's intercept communication viz voice, sms, data, etc.Seeing as we do seem to draw a lot from Europe in way of policy and regulation case in point the GDPR one and I think we may borrow from the MICA regulation on Digital and crypto assets...I thought I would share one of the discussion items at WEF 2025 in Jan 2025A excerpt from one of Europran leaders:".. That’s why I believe we must push forward the principle of ‘pseudonymity’ as the functioning element of social media, and force all these platforms to link every user account to an European Digital Identity Wallet.....My second proposal is to force open the black box of social media algorithms, once and for all. The values of the European Union are not for sale. Safeguards like content moderation and fact-checking are both legal and moral requirements that must be followed by all."This is a topical discussion not only in Kenya..._______________________________________________On Mon, 26 May 2025, 16:22 Jacinta Wothaya via KICTANet, <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:Lawrence,Thanks for opening the discussion on The Kenya Information & Communications (Amendment) Bill 2025 and for the contributions by Kinyanjui and Steve.I encourage everyone to review the bill and contribute to this much-needed discussion. Let's amplify our voices and ensure the final legislation reflects the needs of the vibrant digital community that we've worked hard to grow as Kenyans.Best,Jacinta Wothaya_______________________________________________On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 10:16 AM Wasilwa Steve via KICTANet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:Subject: Implications of the Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on the Common Citizen
Dear KICTAnet Members,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding the Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which is currently under consideration. While the bill appears to address regulatory gaps in the information and communications sector, several provisions—if passed and enacted—may have far-reaching consequences for the common citizen, particularly in relation to constitutional freedoms, media independence, and access to secure communication channels.
Key Implications for the Common Mwananchi:
Chilling Effect on Press Freedom and Public Accountability
The bill proposes punitive fines of up to KSh 20 million for media houses and KSh 1 million for individual journalists, alongside the risk of suspension or deregistration. These sanctions are likely to promote self-censorship in the media, diminishing the public's access to critical reporting, especially on governance, corruption, and service delivery issues that directly affect everyday life.Suppression of Civic Voices and Whistleblowers
In an environment where journalists and media outlets are under threat, civil society actors, community voices, and whistleblowers may hesitate to speak out or share information publicly, reducing the avenues through which citizens hold leaders accountable.Erosion of Constitutional Rights
The bill raises serious questions about compliance with Article 34 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of the press. If these rights are weakened through legislation, ordinary citizens lose one of their most powerful tools for civic engagement and democratic participation.Loosening SIM Card Registration Rules – A Double-Edged Sword
While the removal of restrictions on SIM card hawking may support informal economy players, it also opens the door to misuse of unregistered lines, potentially increasing cybercrime, identity theft, and fraudulent mobile money transactions that disproportionately affect low-income earners and vulnerable users.Decline in Trust in Public Institutions
A heavily regulated media landscape controlled by state mechanisms may lead to reduced public trust in the credibility of information, limiting informed decision-making and widening the digital divide.A Call for a Citizen-Centric Approach
As members of Kenya’s vibrant ICT policy community, I believe we have a shared responsibility to defend digital rights, promote inclusive regulation, and advocate for legislative frameworks that strengthen—not suppress—citizen empowerment.
I urge this forum to continue amplifying civic voices, interrogating the constitutionality of the bill’s provisions, and engaging policy makers with reasoned, evidence-based recommendations. Let us work toward legislation that protects citizens, upholds press freedom, and secures the digital public square.
Warm regards,
Steve Wasilwa- MSc. MBA
Board Member -REDO Kenya_______________________________________________On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 9:45 PM Lawrence Muchilwa via KICTANet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:_______________________________________________Hey Listers...The proposed changes regarding usage of meters are misinformed, counter productive.ISP already keep track of connections to an extent. The system isn't without gaps but existing gaps can better be address by eg more adoption of IPv6,instead of this retrogressive approach that will increase connectivity overhead,making Internet access more expensive,reduce number of users on the net, effectively undermining any digital transformation, adoption and progress.Link to bill:with kind regardsMuchilwa Lawrence
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of Policy Advocacy, Capacity Building, Research, and Stakeholder Engagement.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's
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