Kenya’s current protests against the Finance Bill 2024 highlight the crucial role Social Justice Organisations (SJOs) play in holding governments accountable. But exercising this right often comes with risk, especially in the digital age.
The Tatua Digital Resilience Center stands with SJOs in Kenya by providing vital support to navigate the challenges of online harassment, censorship, and surveillance.
The Finance Bill 2024 was introduced to the Kenyan National Assembly on May 9, 2024. It contained several amendments to existing taxes and introduced new tax provisions that many Kenyans considered punitive.
The Bill has received harsh criticism from Kenyans who have employed various tactics to urge their members of Parliament to reject it. It also sparked nationwide protests, with many Kenyans expressing their disapproval of the proposed tax measures.
These protests heavily relied on social media for organization and communication. However, the response from law enforcement has been concerning, including internet shutdowns, social media censorship, and violence against protestors.
Tatua recognizes the importance of civil society in promoting public interests and liberties and is ready to offer the following support:
- Rapid Response for Digital Security Incidents: In case of a cyberattack, account takeover, or online harassment incident, Tatua offers a rapid response service to help SJOs investigate the attacks, regain control of their devices and accounts, and mitigate the damage.
- Online Threat Monitoring: Tatua helps SJOs monitor online threats like phishing attempts, malware attacks, and attempts to infiltrate their social media accounts. Early detection allows for swift action to mitigate these threats.
- Digital Security Tools Installation and Configuration:
- Tatua has partnered with TunnelBear, a secure VPN service, to issue Free VPNs to at-risk human rights defenders and social justice organisations.
- Open-source secure messaging, e.g Signal, Briar.
- Secure videoconferencing, e.g. Jitsi Meet.
- Encrypted emails, e.g.,Tutanota and ProtonMail.
- Secure file sharing: Sync.com, Tresorit.
- Censorship circumvention tools e.g. Tor, Psiphon.
- Disk encryption tools e.g VeraCrypt.
- Secure calling, e.g. RedPhone and Signal.
- Secure and sustainable web hosting.
- Secure storage.
- Secure browsers.
- secure password management and multifactor authentication.
4. Digital Security Training: Tatua offers workshops and training sessions to equip SJOs with the knowledge and skills to protect their devices, online accounts, and communications. This includes best practices for password management, encryption, and secure communication tools.
5. Connecting SJOs with psychological support partners: Online harassment and surveillance can take a toll on mental well-being.
Tatua can connect SJOs with mental health professionals who can provide support and guidance during this challenging time. Remember, the best tools for you will depend on your specific needs and threat model. Consider factors like the sensitivity of the information you need to protect, your level of technical expertise, and the resources available to continue using the tools Tatua helps you configure.
Together, KICTANet and Tatua will enhance the digital resilience of Kenyan SJOs. By providing additional expertise and resources, they ensure that civil society organizations have comprehensive support in navigating the digital challenges they face.
This page here lists all our contact information, how to reach out to us, and how to submit a request to the Tatua digital security Helpdesk.
This story by the Tatua Digital Resilience Centre originally appeared on its website on: https://tatua.digital/
