Kenya's 2024 Finance Bill sparked online protests against Value Added Tax (VAT) hikes, levies, and subsidy cuts. Digital platforms enabled mobilisation, but also saw disinformation, surveillance, and internet throttling. Calls for transparency, human rights protections, and digital literacy persist. This report sheds more on this precedent events.

This paper is part of a three-part research study by a panel convened by ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa with the support of The Fund for Global Human Rights, constituted by HAKI Africa, KICTANET, and The Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS) to carefully interrogate the impact of counter-terrorism (CT) and the prevention of violent extremism (PVE) and similar national security measures on civic space in Kenya to inform interventions that enhance greater accountability for violations and ensure an open civic space free from unjustified restrictions under the guise of security

The 2022 KICTANet annual report highlights the organization's activities and initiatives executed under five broad thematic areas; Tech and Democracy, Data Protection and Data Governance, Digital Resilience, Cyber Security, and Cyber Capacity, Strengthening Gender in ICTs, and ICT inclusion for marginalized communities. KICTANet is a multi-stakeholder Think Tank for ICT policy and regulation, which aims to promote an enabling environment in the ICT sector that is robust, open, accessible, and rights-based through multistakeholder approaches.

Kenya held a hybrid event on May 18, 2023, to launch a report on how accessible government websites are for people with disabilities. Stakeholders from the government, disability groups, and the public came together to discuss the issue. Read the report for insights!

A Kenyan assessment aims to improve access to technology (ICTs) for people with disabilities. This includes understanding their experiences and incorporating their voices into ICT policy. Importantly, the assessment emphasizes providing equal access to information and online services for all, upholding the right to information enshrined in Kenya's constitution (Article 35).

This report presents a summary of the key findings of KICTANet’s election observation mission during Kenya’s general election held on August 9, 2022.

Kenya's 1 million citizens with disabilities face digital exclusion despite their right to access. The COVID-19 shift to online services worsened this problem, highlighting a lack of website accessibility for people with visual, hearing, or cognitive disabilities. This report investigates the accessibility of government websites for these groups.

This comic by Tatua Support introduces cyber hygiene! Just like personal hygiene keeps you healthy, cyber hygiene protects your devices and data. Learn how to be safe online with easy steps to improve your online security and keep your devices running smoothly.

Kenyans went to the polls on August 9, 2022! KICTANet monitored the election, focusing on technology. KICTANet’s election observation mission report highlights positive steps like sufficient voting tech, voter identification using fingerprints, and electronic transmission of results.

KICTANet's Pre-election Observations Report on Kenya’s August 2022 Elections recommendations to improve future elections. The report proposes giving the public access to election data, stronger security checks, and better voter education. Read the full report for all the proposed recommendations.

This research examines how disinformation shapes Kenya's political scene. It exposes the rampant use of misinformation at both national and local levels, targeting a diverse electorate with varying ideologies, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and demographics. Politicians exploit these divisions to manipulate voters.

KICTANet visited the Konza Technopolis development project on June 25th, 2021. The visit was hosted by the Konza Technopolis Development Authority and aimed to give KICTANet members a chance to see the project's progress and offer suggestions to help it move forward.

KICTANet, together with our partners, formulated a Licensing and Shared Spectrum Framework for Community Networks in Kenya.  The framework was developed in partnership with KICTANet, the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), and the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland and supported by the United Kingdom’s Digital Access Programme.

98% of Kenyans are online! KICTAnet, through this guidebook, empowers East African women to become online content creators and build their digital identities.

A 2020 report by KICTANet aims to spark an open discussion between Facebook and stakeholders (users & regulators) in Kenya. It highlights user concerns and proposes solutions for a safer, more responsible FB platform in the region.

In Kenya's informal settlements, women shoulder family burdens and ensure basic needs are met. Despite this, they're excluded from decision-making. COVID-19 worsened their situation with increased economic strain and domestic violence. This report explores the pandemic's impact on Kibera women and proposes solutions with a gender focus, emphasizing community support.

Kenya's new "Huduma Namba" digital ID system raises human rights concerns. A 2018 law created a central database (NIIMS) for all citizens & residents. This study explores the legal background, shift to digital IDs, and potential human rights impacts.

KICTANet and Huawei met with Kenya's Assembly ICT Committee on Nov 13, 2019. The discussion focused on challenges to citizen engagement and the Committee's goals for improving Kenya's tech sector in 2020. This collaboration aims to strengthen public participation and advance Kenya's tech development.

Kenya's Senate ICT Committee met with stakeholders (including Huawei) via Zoom on July 15th, 2020. They discussed emerging tech legislation and policy gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to identify areas needing intervention to improve Kenya's tech sector during this crisis.

Kenya's ICT Authority launched County ICT Roadmaps to improve service delivery. KICTANet monitored progress in 3 counties: Uasin Gishu, Kajiado, and Taita-Taveta. This report identifies areas where counties excel and need improvement, guiding future development. Challenges include legislation, budget, and political support. Partners like Huawei supported the 2019-2020 survey. They aim to expand it to all Kenyan counties.

KICTANet and Huawei held a webinar to dispel myths surrounding the new technology. Experts discussed the reality of 5G and its potential impact. Over 200 participants joined the discussion and streamed live on YouTube.

TheWomen@web program, supported by Deutsche Welle Akademie and KICTANet, equips university students with digital literacy and safety skills. Students learn responsible online behaviour, digital rights, and security measures through workshops and activities. This empowers them to participate confidently in online communities.

KICTANet hosted a forum on Fintech policy & regulation. The September 2019 meeting brought together 25 experts across the Kenyan fintech ecosystem. Discussions focused on key issues impacting the industry. A resulting policy brief will inform future regulations and raise awareness of fintech in Kenya and beyond.

A study by International Data Corporation (IDC) is evaluating the social and economic impact of broadband in Kenya. Supported by Huawei, the Ministry of ICT, and others, it aims to improve policy and expand broadband access. KICTANet facilitated an online discussion to gather insights from citizens and stakeholders on current challenges, regulations, and opportunities. This will help create a plan for maximizing broadband's benefits for Kenyans.

Safaricom, Kenya's leading mobile provider, hosted online discussions on services and policy. Led by KICTANet, the forum addressed consumer issues (affordability, quality), competition, innovation, and infrastructure. Discussions highlighted the need for data protection laws and solutions for market dominance. This multi-stakeholder approach aims to improve services and regulations for all Kenyans.

Kenya debates solutions to combat fake news. Ideas include:

• Best practice manuals for social media platforms
• Collaboration with bloggers to fact-check
• Media literacy education in schools
• National values campaign to promote ethical online behaviour

These efforts address the root causes and empower Kenyans to identify and avoid fake news.