The Kenya Alliance of Residents Association (Kara) has urged Parliament to review the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act and lower the proposed fines, arguing they would be punitive to citizens.
Kara CEO Henry Ochieng, who appeared before the National Assembly Communication, Information and Innovation Committee, said that the Act has been used to target individuals perceived as government critics or opponents of those in power.
Ochieng told the committee, chaired by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, that the hefty fines of Sh5million, Sh10million or even Sh20 million could instill fear due to possible misinterpretation of the law, ultimately inhibiting freedoms.
He argued that the Act appeared to focus less on regulating computer misuse and cyber crimes and more on political control, potentially curtailing freedom of speech, media, and expression. "We are requesting that the Act be amended by reducing all fines stipulated under various sections.
