Today, we are excited to announce the launch of the “Navigating Kenya’s Digital Information Ecosystem” report, a landmark assessment funded by the EU and developed in collaboration with key partners including Internews, Internet Sans Frontières, Tribeless Youth, Mzalendo Trust, Watoto Watch, and the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE). This comprehensive study sheds light on the critical digital risks related to media, AI, and human rights within Kenya, offering invaluable insights into the current state of the digital landscape.
Key Findings:
- Overwhelming Digital Threats:Kenya is grappling with an unprecedented volume of digital threats. In the second quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year alone, a staggering 1.3 billion cyber threats were detected. This translates to more than 1.4 million threats daily or about 1,000 threats per second. Such figures underscore the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and a comprehensive approach to managing digital risks.
- Gender Disparities in Online Spaces: The report highlights the vibrant activity within Kenya’s online landscape, especially among the youth on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). However, it also reveals a significant gender imbalance, with the digital space being predominantly male. This disparity impacts both engagement and discourse, pointing to the need for initiatives that promote gender equity in digital participation.
Panel Session Highlights:
During today’s panel session, several critical topics were addressed:
- Digital Safety: A thorough examination of Kenya’s internet policies and governance revealed the multifaceted nature of the country’s digital threats. The discussion emphasized the need for updated and comprehensive policies to safeguard users from emerging cyber threats.
- Mis/Disinformation: The panel addressed the troubling issue of misinformation, focusing on the misuse of bloggers, including the strategic use of paid bloggers to shape narratives. This highlights the necessity for greater transparency and accountability in digital content creation.
- Women’s Online Presence: Despite constitutional guarantees of free speech and expression, women continue to face significant barriers in the digital space. KICTANet’s initiatives are pivotal in amplifying women’s voices and addressing these systemic barriers to ensure a more inclusive online environment.
Insights from Dr. Grace Githaiga, CEO of KICTANet:
- Addressing Misinformation: There is an urgent need to tackle misinformation and the strategic misuse of bloggers. This requires coordinated efforts to ensure the integrity of digital information.
- Fostering Safe Digital Spaces: It is crucial to create safe digital spaces for all users, including individuals with disabilities (PWDs), to enhance civic engagement and democratic participation. This involves not only policy reform but also inclusive design and practices.
- KensafeSpace Project: Through the KensafeSpace Project, KICTANet is dedicated to strengthening the capacity and influence of Kenya’s human rights organizations. This initiative aims to promote democratic, safe, and inclusive digital environments.
- Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Dr. Githaiga highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in ensuring comprehensive digital safety. Engaging diverse stakeholders is essential for upholding civic engagement and freedom of thought in the evolving digital landscape.
KICTANet remains committed to being a catalyst for ICT sector reform, supporting the government’s mission to maximize the benefits of ICT for all Kenyans. Our ongoing efforts focus on addressing digital threats, promoting digital rights, and fostering an inclusive online environment.
Read the report here: https://www.kictanet.or.ke/reports/#
