Recent weeks have seen Kenya thrust into a storm of debates over digital freedom, cybersecurity, and governance. The protests that swept through the country in 2024 were more than street demonstrations. They were a vivid reminder of the power of a digitally connected citizenry.
Social media platforms buzzed with messages calling for action, sharing stories of discontent, and amplifying frustrations. What began as localised discontent quickly evolved into a nationwide movement, thanks to the connectivity of the digital age.
Months after the protests that rocked the country and almost inspired some other citizens in other African countries to hit the streets, the government has responded with urgency.

A statement issued by the State Department for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs paints a stark picture.
It has claimed that the protests were hijacked by organised cyber actors determined to undermine the nation’s stability.
These actors, the statement alleges, spread misinformation and wield AI-generated deepfakes to harm Kenya’s image and credibility. While the initial focus appears to be on cybersecurity, the undercurrent of social media regulation can not be ignored.
The document outlines steps to combat these challenges, including the development of a Technology Responsibility Charter and reassurances to protect civic spaces.
The subtext of controlling online discourse, however, feels louder than the assurances of protecting freedoms. The protests may have subsided on the streets, but online, a deeper conversation about digital freedom and state control is brewing.
What about the protests in Kenya?
The protests were born out of frustration. Citizens voiced concerns over governance, rising costs of living, and policies they saw as disconnected from their struggles.
The contested Finance Bill of 2024 became a flashpoint. Its provisions, perceived as oppressive and out of touch, sparked anger across the country. Social media played a critical role, serving as both a rallying platform and an outlet for grievances.
Videos, memes, and live streams documented every moment. Protesters shared updates in real time, creating a counter-narrative to official government accounts. Platforms like X and Facebook became digital battlegrounds where the government and its critics clashed. But the power of social media was a double-edged sword. It connected voices of dissent but also amplified misinformation.


The government claims cyber activities surrounding the protests have gone beyond citizen expression. Allegations of coordinated disinformation campaigns, auto-generated emails sent to foreign capitals, and the spread of fabricated narratives were included in its statement.
The mention of AI-generated deepfakes signals an escalation like these attacks. Yet, for many observers, the timing of these concerns raised questions.
The Statement: Cybersecurity or control?
The Ministry’s statement aims at restoring calm. It reassures citizens and international partners that the government is addressing public concerns. Proposals to withdraw the anti-people Finance Bill and establish a broad-based government suggest an attempt to placate discontent groups. However, the focus on cyber activities and their impact on Kenya’s international reputation hints at another priority.


The Kenyan government emphasises misinformation and cyberattacks, and positions itself as a protector of stability. The introduction of a Technology Responsibility Charter promises to address accountability in the digital space. These measures may seem reasonable in isolation, but when viewed through the lens of Kenya’s political landscape, there are concerns.
Digital rights advocates fear that cybersecurity measures could be a pretext for social media regulation. The framing of these challenges as threats to national stability creates room for policies that curtail online freedoms. Statements about organised cyberattacks blur the lines between legitimate dissent and harmful activity, leaving space for interpretation that could stifle public debate.
Interestingly, Kenya is not the first country to face this dilemma. Governments worldwide grapple with the complexities of managing digital spaces. Social media platforms provide tools for empowerment but also enable the rapid spread of misinformation. The rise of AI-generated content only complicates this dynamic further.
See also: Internet disruptions reported in Kenya hours after govt denied attempts to shutdown service
In neighbouring countries, attempts to regulate social media have often sparked controversy. Leaders claim to protect national interests, but critics argue these moves erode freedoms. Kenya’s history of press freedom and vibrant democracy stands in contrast to such approaches, making these recent developments even more significant.
Critics point to potential overreach. The statement’s reference to AI and auto-generated emails reflects a growing narrative around the dangers of digital tools. However, it raises questions about whether these claims are supported by evidence or serve as justification for broader control. In the absence of transparency, the distinction between safeguarding citizens and silencing dissent remains murky.
Implications for journalists and free expression
Journalists face a unique challenge in this environment. Social media provides a platform to share stories and reach audiences directly. However, increased scrutiny and potential regulation create a chilling effect. Reporting on contentious issues, such as protests or government policy, becomes riskier.


Kenya has a proud tradition of press freedom, but that legacy faces a test. The government’s focus on misinformation could inadvertently target journalists and independent media outlets. Fact-checking errors or controversial headlines could be framed as part of the broader problem of fake news.
The protests demonstrated the value of independent reporting. Journalists on the ground captured moments of courage, defiance, and hope. Social media amplified their work, ensuring stories reached beyond Kenya’s borders. However, the potential for government intervention in digital spaces threatens to undermine this work.
Balancing cybersecurity and digital freedom is a delicate task. The government’s intentions may be genuine, but the impact of these measures must be considered. Proposals such as the Technology Responsibility Charter could provide a framework for accountability, but only if implemented transparently.
Public trust plays a crucial role in this equation. The protests highlighted a disconnect between citizens and the state. Addressing this gap requires more than policy changes; it demands meaningful engagement. Efforts to protect civic spaces must include dialogue with civil society and assurances that freedoms will not be compromised.
The government’s decision to withdraw the Finance Bill was a step in the right direction. However, its promises to replace the bill with a more inclusive version must be met with action. Citizens need to see that their voices matter and that policies reflect their realities.
A call for transparency
Digital freedoms are not just about social media. They reflect broader principles of democracy, accountability, and governance. Kenya’s approach to cybersecurity will shape its reputation on the global stage. A transparent and collaborative process can ensure these measures address genuine threats without undermining rights.
The protests were a moment of reckoning for Kenya. They revealed both the power of digital tools and the risks they pose. The government’s response will determine whether this moment strengthens democracy or shifts it toward greater control.