Kenya Reviews ICT Law and Cybercrime Framework to Strengthen Digital Economy
Tanui said Kenya needs responsive, future-ready regulation to support its digital ambitions, with effective legal and institutional frameworks helping to sustain trust, security, inclusion and innovation.
Kenya is reviewing its Information and Communications Act (KICA) and advancing efforts to accede to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime as part of broader efforts to strengthen the legal and regulatory foundations of its digital economy.
John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary in the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, discussed the issues during an engagement with the National Assembly’s Communication, Information and Innovation Committee, led by John Kiarie. The meeting also addressed consumer protection in internet services and the regulation of the country’s evolving ICT sector.
The review of KICA is intended to ensure that Kenya’s legal framework keeps pace with competition, innovation, emerging technologies and changes across the communications industry. Discussions also covered internet billing transparency, service quality and consumer safeguards.
On internet billing, the government supports clearer usage information and stronger consumer protection while preserving consumer choice and digital inclusion. Tanui said the approach is to improve transparency and service standards without introducing measures that could inadvertently raise costs or restrict access.
Kenya’s progress towards the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime was another key focus. Accession would strengthen international cooperation on cybercrime, electronic evidence and cross-border investigations, alongside appropriate data protection measures and national safeguards.
The engagement included Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait and ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer Jessy Kiveu Maruti, whose institutions play roles in data protection and digital government services. Members of Parliament from Lesotho also attended, providing an opportunity to exchange perspectives on digital transformation across the region.
Tanui said Kenya needs responsive, future-ready regulation to support its digital ambitions, with effective legal and institutional frameworks helping to sustain trust, security, inclusion and innovation.
