Skip to main content
Facebook-f Youtube X-twitter
Join IAWRT

Home Blog Articles

Protecting Journalists in Kenya’s Digital Space: Why Media and Tech Policy Must Be Rights-Based

KICTANet Training

By IAWRT Kenya

As Kenya moves towards the 2027 General Election, protecting press freedom requires more than safeguarding journalists from physical threats. It also means addressing restrictive laws, online harassment, digital surveillance and emerging technologies that can undermine freedom of expression and women’s participation in public life.

These issues took centre stage during a multi-stakeholder dialogue on Advocacy Strategies for Better Tech and Media Policies in Kenya, hosted by the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) in partnership with KICTANet on 8 October 2026 at Mageuzi Hub in Nairobi. The meeting brought together stakeholders to examine gaps in technology and media regulation and explore coordinated strategies to protect digital rights ahead of the elections.

Documentation as the first step

The webinar identified reporting and documentation as critical to addressing impunity. Moraa argued that when violations are not reported or documented, perpetrators can repeat the same conduct. The monitoring initiative therefore seeks to make individual incidents visible, categorise violations and generate evidence for advocacy and legal action.

IAWRT Kenya’s monitoring and reporting platform provides a mechanism for documenting violations against women journalists across Africa:

The initiative is being implemented with partners including UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) and seeks to strengthen documentation, monitoring and follow-up on violations.

As Josephine Karani, IAWRT Kenya chairperson, said, for the organisation, the value of the observatory lies not only in recording incidents but also in creating evidence that can inform advocacy, litigation and engagement with national, regional and international institutions.

Laws and Policies Must Protect, Not Silence, Journalists

Participants raised concerns about existing laws and proposed legislation that could undermine freedom of expression, privacy and access to information. Discussions covered the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, proposed amendments to the Kenya Information and Communications Act, the ICT Practitioners Bill and emerging artificial intelligence (AI) regulation.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK), represented by Rebecca Mutiso, emphasised the importance of monitoring proposed legislation before it reaches Parliament to identify provisions that could undermine press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information. Through policy analysis, public participation and engagement with stakeholders, MCK works to ensure media regulation balances responsible journalism with constitutional rights. The Council also highlighted the need for journalists to adapt to emerging challenges, including AI-generated content and disinformation, through clear reporting guidelines, ethical standards and continuous professional training.

A key concern was the potential misuse of laws intended to address legitimate security threats to target journalists, bloggers, activists and other critical voices. Vague legal provisions, disproportionate penalties and the threat of costly defamation proceedings can discourage public-interest reporting and push journalists towards self-censorship.

‘There is a growing concern that laws intended to address cybercrime and protect national security are increasingly being used to criminalise speech, target protesters, bloggers and journalists, and restrict freedom of expression.’ Demus Kiprono – Executive Director of the International Commission of Jurists

For women journalists, these legal and regulatory challenges intersect with gendered forms of intimidation. Women reporting on politics, governance and human rights may face coordinated online attacks, threats and abuse that target their gender and social identities. Such attacks can undermine their professional credibility, affect their wellbeing and discourage them from participating in public debate.

IAWRT Kenya recognises that press freedom cannot be fully protected without addressing the specific risks women face in both online and offline spaces. Through its advocacy, training and engagement with media stakeholders, the association continues to advance safer and more inclusive media environments where women can report, investigate and participate without intimidation.

Addressing Violence against Women Journalists

One of IAWRT Kenya’s key initiatives is its work through the Observatory, which documents violations against women journalists and supports efforts to pursue accountability. The initiative responds to a persistent challenge: online abuse directed at women journalists is often dismissed as an unavoidable consequence of working in the public eye. Yet coordinated harassment, threats, impersonation and other forms of technology-facilitated violence can restrict women’s ability to work safely and participate in public discourse.

Documenting these incidents helps build an evidence base for advocacy, policy reform and accountability. It also highlights the need for stronger collaboration among media organisations, digital rights groups, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure that complaints are taken seriously and survivors can access appropriate support and remedies.

As the 2027 elections approach, this work becomes particularly important. Women journalists covering campaigns, political rallies and electoral disputes may encounter increased online hostility. Addressing these threats requires more than encouraging individual journalists to improve their security; it demands institutional responses, accessible reporting mechanisms and laws that protect rights without criminalising legitimate expression.

Equipping Journalists for an AI-driven Media Landscape

The dialogue also examined the implications of AI, disinformation and digital surveillance for media freedom and public participation. Dr Grace Githaiga, CEO of KICTANet, highlighted the growing difficulty of distinguishing authentic information from manipulated content, including deepfakes, and the need for evidence-based approaches to addressing harmful information even among journalists.

IAWRT Kenya’s work in digital capacity-building is relevant to these challenges. Through its AI and digital tools training programme for women journalists, the association supports journalists in developing practical skills to navigate emerging technologies and use digital tools in their work. The training also creates opportunities to discuss responsible AI use, verification, digital security and the implications of technology for journalism.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in newsroom workflows and electoral communication, women journalists need sustained opportunities to understand both its benefits and risks. Training should be accompanied by clear newsroom policies, ethical safeguards and gender-responsive approaches to digital safety.

Equally, efforts to counter disinformation must not become a justification for suppressing criticism or restricting access to information. Regulation should be transparent, proportionate and consistent with constitutional protections for freedom of expression.

Building collective action ahead of the 2027 elections

The dialogue highlighted the need for sustained collaboration between media and digital rights organisations to safeguard rights before, during and after the 2027 General Election. Joint efforts can strengthen monitoring of internet disruptions, counter disinformation, protect civic space, protect press freedom, and promote transparent, rights-respecting election technologies.

For IAWRT Kenya, this collaboration is an opportunity to ensure women journalists’ safety, privacy and freedom to report remain central to digital rights advocacy. Tools such as Phoenix, which analyses public social media posts to identify harassment, hate speech and disinformation, and RAIA Africa’s WhatsApp chatbot that simplifies access to public records, demonstrate how technology can support evidence-based advocacy. The Media Council of Kenya’s early review of proposed legislation and civil societies’ work on responsible technology governance further highlight the value of coordinated action.

IAWRT’s experience in documenting harassment against women journalists and strengthening their digital skills can help ground these efforts in evidence and lived experiences. As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, sustained policy engagement, meaningful public participation and accountability are essential to ensuring women journalists can report and participate in public life without fear.

Report a case of violations against female journalists across Africa here.

Share this story

Are you a woman working in media?

Join IAWRT Kenya for training, mentorship, fellowships and a supportive network of women media practitioners.

Become a Member

More stories

All Stories
  • All Posts
  • Articles
  • Mentorship
  • Networking
Views: 14