A recent joint report revealed that Meta’s WhatsApp and Facebook are the primary platforms for online abuse.
The social media platforms recorded the highest percentages of incidents, with 69.4% of respondents identifying Facebook and 55.6% identifying WhatsApp as spaces where they experienced technology-facilitated gender-based-violence (TFGBV).
Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) is said to be used to organize protests, while also becoming a target for government crackdowns and censorship.
The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) report raised alarm over the state of human rights in Kenya’s digital space, painting a troubling picture of widening digital divides, curtailed freedoms, and escalating online gender-based violence.
This sheds light on the pervasive nature of online violence and its disproportionate impact on women and public figures in the country.
According to KICTANet, cases of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) are on the rise, with women politicians, journalists, and activists being the main targets.
More than half of the women surveyed said they had faced online harassment, including trolling and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. This kind of violence discourages women from taking part in public life and engaging in online spaces.
“Online violence against women is not just a tech issue; it’s a human rights crisis,” said Dr. Grace Githaiga of KICTANet, one of the report’s contributors.
The abuse is said to extend beyond virtual boundaries, affecting victims’ mental health and public engagement. It was noted that women candidates often avoided social media during campaigns to escape harassment, with many pausing their activity altogether.
Furthermore, TFGBV has amplified pre-existing societal inequalities. For instance, deep fake technology was used to create explicit or defamatory images targeting women leaders, such as a doctored digital card during the 2022 elections aimed at discrediting a candidate.
Martha Karua, who ran for Deputy President in Kenya’s 2022 General Elections, was reportedly targeted with gendered disinformation aimed at discrediting her and weakening her campaign.
She faced online abuse and harassment driven by false and manipulated content, including the use of deepfake technology.
Freedom of Expression Under Siege
Kenya’s 2010 Constitution protects freedom of expression, but restrictions have grown in recent years. The Cybercrimes Act has drawn criticism for its vague provisions that criminalize online speech, leading to the arrest of bloggers, activists, and journalists.
Police crackdowns during protests, including the recent demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024, have also ignited widespread allegations of abuse and censorship.
Human rights groups are calling for reforms to align legislation with international standards, warning that current laws stifle dissent and erode democratic values.
More than 70% of people living in rural areas in Kenya still lack reliable internet access, even though the country’s digital connectivity has improved through advanced infrastructure such as submarine fiber cables that connect Kenya to global networks.
Women and marginalized groups are especially affected, with only 39% of women having access compared to 59% of men. The situation is made worse by high data costs and poor infrastructure in rural regions.
“The digital divide is more than an access issue; it’s a matter of equity,” the report states, urging targeted investments and subsidies to bridge gaps.
The stakeholders behind the report recommend several key actions, including expanding affordable internet access in rural areas, revising laws like the Cybercrimes Act to protect free expression, strengthening safeguards against government surveillance, and improving legal frameworks to effectively address technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
Social media platforms are being asked to use clear content moderation policies and work with local communities to address disinformation and online abuse.
Several countries have moved to amend or enforce new regulations. For example, Mauritius recently banned access to social media ahead of its election, citing national security concerns.
In April, the US Senate and House of Representatives unanimously passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA).
Back in 2020, Tanzania’s government cracked down on social media posts it considered “inciteful” or “misleading” about the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Kenya continues its journey toward becoming a digital-first economy, the report is urging the government, private sector, and civil society to work together for a more inclusive and just digital landscape.
“Online platforms must take responsibility for creating safe environments,” said Dr Githaiga.
