Protecting privacy | Defending digital dignity | Empowering youth.
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.
Quick facts (Our quarter in numbers)
- 5+ counties reached by the Technology & Human Rights team.
- 10+ data protection workshops & conferences.
- 100+ civil & human rights groups trained on data protection.
- 500+ people directly reached through events and trainings.
Featured campaigns
Privacy First — Consent or Coercion? (Nairobi)
A youth-led campaign interrogating the illusion of “free consent” online. The Nairobi team is pushing for simplified, transparent Terms & Conditions so consent is truly informed, voluntary, and comprehensible — not a take-it-or-leave-it trap. Activities include campus debates, stakeholder engagement with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, and public research & awareness drives.
Scroll Bila Troll — Foster kindness, stop cyberbullying (Mombasa)
With a goal to reduce cyberbullying among youth by 10–25%, Scroll Bila Troll runs workshops, storytelling sessions, and social media actions (#KnowTheLine, #FreeButFair, #BlockReportMoveOn). The campaign also calls on global platforms to publish anti-cyberbullying transparency reports and improve moderation practices.
Q3 Highlights
Strengthening data protection in Kenya
- Ijue Data Yako wrapped up with final sessions in Kisumu and Kakamega; 25 CBOs were trained and awarded certificates for strengthened data rights capacity.
- Data Governance Café (July): Civil society and legal experts examined the Kenya Information & Communications (Amendment) Bill 2025 and discussed surveillance, transparency, and rights-respecting alternatives.
- Privacy Litigation Surgery (August): Litigation lawyers and researchers convened to map strategies for advancing privacy jurisprudence and public interest litigation in Kenya.
Training & capacity building
- Multi-day data protection workshops were held for public sector DPOs in Eldoret and for community organisations in Malindi and Taita Taveta — equipping participants to embed privacy-by-design across sectors.
- COVAW staff received targeted training on handling survivor data securely — highlighting how data protection strengthens GBV response and survivor trust.
- Digital safety for human rights defenders: We ran digital security sessions with #HumanismyID Alliance members to bolster advocacy resilience against surveillance and intimidation.
Youth & schools
- Digital Rights Essay Competition: 1,024 essay entries from 45 schools; winners Geoffrey Anyoda and Sheryl Awuor took part in an educational excursion and awards ceremony. The competition centers young voices in tech governance and digital wellbeing.
- Storytelling for Data Governance: a new series spotlighting civil society voices on privacy, compliance, and citizen-centred data practices.
Regional & international engagement
- Participated in the Forum for Internet Freedom in Africa 2025 (Windhoek), contributing to discussions on inclusive digitalisation and the human costs of connection.
- Attended the East Africa Legal Empowerment Summit (Lodwar) to deepen conversations about the Bill of Rights and bridging law to communities.
Policy & advocacy priorities
- Defend civic space by opposing regressive amendments that expand surveillance, criminalise expression, or weaken privacy protections.
- Demand transparency and oversight in data governance reforms and insist on rights-based alternatives to mass surveillance.
- Push tech platforms for better transparency (e.g., anti-cyberbullying reports) and clearer, user-friendly consent mechanisms.