A host of governance experts have weighed in on the far-reaching ramifications that recently passed laws touching on technology could have on the future of Kenya’s electoral landscape and democratic space.

In an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, University of Nairobi Peter Kagwanja and Ahmed Hashi portend danger with the intent of the recently signed laws.

On October 15, 2024, President William Ruto assented to seven bills of the National Assembly, some of which have sparked public attention, especially the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill 2024. 

“The over-ranking issue that concerns Kenya is that we have to legislate the space of technology and cyber crimes, but in the context of our political environment.

Also watch: Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, has come out in defence of the controversial Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024.

Democratic space

Kagwanja asserted that the objection should not be seen as an affront to the system but a protection of a space that has recently been hugely abused.

“We do not want a new law to criminalise the opposition or be used to manipulate our elections in 2027,” he stated.

“The time we have to protect our space is now. Look at a situation where Raila is dead and someone like Uhuru is not there. Then we need to approach with caution, and that is why the concern is out there,” he added.

Olang’s remarks

On her side, Sheila Olang, a development economist, termed the assent to the bills as ill-timed.

She stressed that more urgent, unresolved issues on human rights and police reforms, where Kenya is poorly ranked, ought to have taken precedence.

“Nobody is opposing the fight against terrorism or child pornography. What is lacking is the witch hunt and protection that could be taken away. We are in a country where we buried Albert Ojwang for tweeting something, but we still do not have legislation on how police can conduct investigations and locate you.

“We need amendment bills on police oversight, abuse of power and how police conduct their oversight,” she added.

Governance expert Ahmed Hashi also criticised Ruto for attempting to track back on legal strides made in years through a pretence of cracking down on pornography.

“Ruto stated that we should stop what we were doing to mourn the greatest leader of our time. But he assembled to sign the most draconian law of our time. We are in more trouble without the former PM, and Kenya needs to reject this. It intends to curb our right under the guise of pornography,” he added.