Digital violence is not new to Kenyan politics, but it has now escalated to the point at which we cannot ignore it anymore, because of its devastating effects on young people, especially human rights defenders.
The release of two investigative reports this week into technology enabled state surveillance and violence against critics of the state reminds us of a disturbing reality. Despite the Kenya authorities’ heavy investment in building an open and prosperous digital economy, digital rights violations persist. Left unchecked, they will continue to puncture the power of our constitutional freedoms and the Data Protection Act (2019).
Welcome to the 2025 edition of CTRL+Speak, a youth-driven magazine by Amnesty International Kenya’s Technology and Human Rights team. Think of “Ctrl” as the control key on your keyboard—holding it down unlocks new possibilities. CTRL+Speak does the same for your voice online: empowering young people to speak up, advocate for human rights, and shape a safer digital world.
*Names changed to protect identities
Kenya’s historic Gen Z–led protests of 2024 and 2025 showed the power of young people mobilizing online—and the alarming speed with which that power was met with digital repression, intimidation, and violence. This new Amnesty International report documents how technology has become both a tool for civic participation and a weapon used to silence, surveil, and harm young Kenyans demanding accountability.
In Quarter 3 of 2025, young leaders across Kenya amplified campaigns that challenge coercive consent, push back against cyberbullying, and demand transparent, rights-respecting data governance. This quarterly digest captures our workshops, community dialogues, litigation work, youth campaigns, and the people powering a safer digital future.
Nairobi, October 2 2025: Amnesty International Kenya today releases two critical resources designed to advance privacy rights and strengthen accountability in Kenya’s digital landscape: The 5 Years On: Citizens’ Perspectives on Kenya’s Data Protection Act Implementation study, and the Data Protection Guidelines for Civil Society Organisations, in partnership with the Data Privacy and Governance Society of Kenya(DPGSK).
Five years after the enactment of the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2019, Amnesty International Kenya has published a landmark report assessing how Kenyans understand and experience their right to privacy. The study, conducted across 10 counties through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, reveals that while the Data Protection Act 2019 established a strong legal framework, its real impact is still limited by low awareness, weak enforcement, and insufficient regional presence of the regulator.
Nairobi, Kenya, September 19, 2025: Amnesty International Kenya extends its congratulations to the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) on its remarkable achievement at the 47th Global Privacy Assembly in Seoul, South Korea. The ODPC’s recognition in four prestigious categories —Education and Public Awareness, Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Measures, Innovation, and the People’s Choice Award —is a testament to its unwavering commitment to protecting the fundamental right to privacy in Kenya.
Welcome to the second edition of our 2025 Technology and Human Rights digest. This quarter, Amnesty International Kenya continued to lead bold, rights-based advocacy on digital justice, data protection, and economic fairness. From challenging retrogressive laws to empowering communities and amplifying youth voices, we’re building a digital future rooted in equity, transparency, and inclusion.
This year’s Digital Rights Essay Competition brought together over 1,000 young changemakers from 45 Human Rights Friendly Schools, each sharing their bold vision for a safer, more inclusive, and rights-respecting digital world. Under the theme “The Internet We Want,” these essays explored how governments, tech companies, and communities can work together to build a better online future for all.
The ODPC’s draft Guidance Note on the Processing of Children’s Data is a significant step towards protecting children’s privacy in the digital age. While the document demonstrates several strengths that provide a strong starting point for safeguarding children’s data, it also highlights critical areas that require further refinement to align more closely with international best practices and ensure robust, comprehensive protection.