Duale Makes First Move To Ban Phonography In Kenya

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale is seeking to end the sharing of pornographic materials like sex tapes and nude photos online. 

Through the Cybercrime Act bill, Duale also wants offensives websites that host pornographic content blocked in the country. 

If the bill is approved by parliament, people sharing pornographic materials will be jailed for at least 25 years or face a fine of Sh20 million. 

“A person shall not knowingly publish pornography through a computer system produced pornography for its publication through a computer system, download, distribute, circulate cell, or make it available in any way for telecommunications operators,” the bill reads.

This will be the first major step towards combating pornographic content in the country.

A section of leaders led by the Education Cabinet Secretary has cited pornographic material as a key reason behind the erosion of morals among students. 

Notably, the Kenya Films and Classification Board CEO Ezekiel has been a key proponent of pushing for the ban of pornography. 

At the same time, the bill seeks to prohibit the use of electronic mediums to promote terrorism and extremist religious views.

The bill proposes that any person who publishes or transmits electronic messages that are likely to cause other people to join or participate in terrorist activities commits an offense and shall be liable on conviction to fine not exhibiting Sh5 million or face a 10-year jail term or both. 

The new proposal will amend the existing Cybersecurity Crimes Act that was approved in 2018.

The bill was enacted into law controversially, with many stating that it carried harsh punitive measures meant to muzzle the freedom of speech.