A Kenyan High Court has temporarily blocked two key sections of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024, curbing the government’s authority to shut down social media platforms or censor online content.
The law, signed by President William Ruto on October 15, 2025, faced immediate challenges from petitions, including those by gospel artist Reuben Kigame and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri. They argued that the amendments threatened free speech and online freedoms.
One suspended provision would have allowed authorities to block websites or apps deemed “problematic,” even if accused of promoting illegal activity. Another criminalized posting messages that might encourage self-harm.
While the High Court initially froze the entire Cybercrimes Act, the government’s intervention led to a scaled-back suspension covering only the two disputed sections. Social media access remains uninterrupted as the court considers six pending petitions, with a final decision still awaited.
