Key Insights from the Petition for the Amendment of the Draft Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Bill, 2025
“Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history. Unfortunately, it might also be the last, unless we learn how to avoid the risks.” — Stephen Hawking
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, but it also brings new risks — deepfakes, AI bias, misinformation, and cybercrime. The Robotics Society of Kenya is stepping up with the Draft Computer Misuse & Cybercrime (Amendment) Bill, 2025, designed to protect digital spaces, regulate AI, and ensure cybersecurity.
In this article, we explore the key provisions of the bill, compare Kenya’s approach to global AI regulations, and discuss what’s needed to strengthen AI governance in the country.
The petition seeks to strengthen Kenya’s legal framework by updating the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to address the emerging challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI), deepfakes, misinformation, bias, and environmental sustainability in the digital space. Below are the main takeaways:
1. Emerging Threats and Challenges Identified
a. AI and Deepfake Misuse
- Proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes used for fraud, misinformation, and reputational damage poses a significant risk to Kenya’s political, social, and economic stability.
- Kenya lacks legal mechanisms to regulate deepfake content, making it difficult to prosecute perpetrators.
b. Misinformation, Disinformation, and Fake News
- Social media and AI-generated content are increasingly spreading misinformation, influencing public opinion and posing threats to national security.
- Kenya’s legal framework does not mandate content verification or liability for AI-generated disinformation.
c. Bias in AI and Robotics
- AI models and humanoid robots can reflect discriminatory biases, affecting hiring, healthcare, and law enforcement decisions.
- The bill needs amendments to regulate and audit AI models for bias, ensuring fairness and accountability.
d. Academic Integrity Risks
- AI, such as ChatGPT-4, can complete national exams (e.g., KCSE Computer Studies Paper 3) within 30 minutes, undermining Kenya’s education system.
- The petition calls for urgent legal frameworks to prevent AI-assisted cheating and protect examination integrity.
e. Digital Divide & Environmental Impact
- Lack of digital infrastructure excludes many Kenyan learners from AI and robotics education.
- AI development has a high energy consumption and carbon footprint, which Kenya’s laws currently do not address.
2. Proposed Amendments to the Draft Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Bill, 2025
a. Regulation of AI and Deepfake Content
- Define deepfakes legally and impose strict penalties for AI-generated misinformation.
- Require AI-generated content to be labeled to prevent deception.
- Develop forensic tools to authenticate AI-generated content for legal proceedings.
b. Strengthening Accountability of Social Media and AI Companies
- Mandate social media platforms to set up physical offices in Kenya to enhance compliance and accountability.
- Hold platforms liable for failing to detect and remove AI-generated fake content.
c. Ethical AI and Robotics Governance
- Require AI bias audits to prevent discriminatory decision-making in hiring, policing, and customer service.
- Establish a national AI ethics regulatory authority to oversee AI and robotics implementation.
d. Education and Digital Literacy Reforms
- Mandate AI ethics, digital citizenship, and media literacy courses in Kenya’s education system.
- Train teachers on AI awareness and responsible use in collaboration with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
e. Cybersecurity and Law Enforcement Enhancements
- Create an AI-specialized police desk in every local police station to investigate AI-related crimes.
- Develop a national cybercrime reporting portal to track deepfake and AI misuse cases.
f. Bridging the Digital Divide
- Support the expansion of solar-powered computer labs to improve AI and robotics education access.
- Encourage public-private partnerships to ensure digital literacy programs reach marginalized communities.
g. Environmental Sustainability in AI Development
- Mandate AI developers to offset their carbon footprint through tree-planting or renewable energy adoption.
- Encourage the use of energy-efficient AI hardware and optimize AI models to reduce power consumption.
3. Synergy with Other National and International Frameworks
a. Kenya’s AI and Robotics Legislative Framework
- The petition aligns with the Kenya Robotics and AI Society Bill, 2023, which aims to establish a national regulatory framework for AI and robotics.
- It complements the Draft ICT Authority Bill, 2024, which oversees ICT infrastructure and digital policy implementation.
b. Global AI Governance Standards
- The petition references AI regulations in the U.S., EU, China, and South Korea, advocating for Kenya to adopt global best practices in AI regulation.
4. Broader Impact of the Petition
a. Strengthening Kenya’s Cybersecurity Laws
- By amending the Cybercrime Bill, Kenya will be better equipped to combat AI-generated cyber threats and enforce digital safety laws.
b. Ensuring Fair and Ethical AI Use
- The proposed amendments will protect Kenyan citizens from AI discrimination and malicious AI applications, fostering a responsible AI ecosystem.
c. Preparing Kenya for the Future of Work
- AI and robotics are reshaping industries — this petition ensures that Kenyan students, workers, and businesses are equipped to adapt and thrive.
d. Positioning Kenya as a Regional AI Leader
- With strong AI governance policies, Kenya could become a model for ethical AI regulation in Africa.
Legislative Comparisons: Kenya vs. Global AI and Cybercrime Regulations
The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the proposed AI governance framework in Kenya can be compared to similar legislations and policies worldwide. Below is a detailed comparison of how Kenya’s proposed amendments align with or differ from global standards
1. Regulation of AI-Generated Content and Deepfakes
Key Takeaway:
Kenya aligns with global trends by proposing AI content labeling and deepfake criminalization, similar to the U.S., EU, and China.
However, pre-publication vetting, as required in China, is not included in Kenya’s proposal.
2. Social Media and AI Platform Accountability
Key Takeaway:
- Kenya aligns with the EU and U.S. on platform accountability but lacks specific fines or takedown deadlines like in India and the EU.
3. Ethical AI and Algorithmic Bias Prevention
Key Takeaway:
- Kenya’s bias audit requirement aligns with global best practices, but the lack of AI risk classification could limit its effectiveness.
4. AI in Law Enforcement and National Security
Key Takeaway:
- Kenya’s AI crime unit proposal is in line with global trends, but oversight mechanisms need strengthening to avoid abuse.
5. Education, AI Literacy, and Exam Integrity
Key Takeaway:
- Kenya is proactive in AI literacy and exam integrity but needs a national AI education policy similar to the U.S. and UK.
Overall Summary of Legislative Comparison
5. Final Recommendations from the Petition
The petition urges Parliament to:
- Formally recognize the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) as Kenya’s official AI and robotics professional body.
- Pass amendments criminalizing deepfake misuse, AI-assisted cybercrime, and algorithmic discrimination.
- Mandate AI companies and social media firms to comply with Kenya’s laws, ensuring responsible digital governance.
- Expand robotics, AI, and chess clubs in schools to foster digital literacy and problem-solving skills.
- Strengthen sustainability policies for AI infrastructure, ensuring energy efficiency and reducing environmental harm.
Final Recommendation for Kenya’s AI and Cybercrime Policy
To align with global best practices, Kenya should consider the following enhancements to the Draft Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Bill, 2025:
- Introduce AI risk classification, similar to the EU AI Act.
- Implement fines for social media platforms failing to moderate AI-generated misinformation.
- Develop a nationwide AI education policy, integrating AI ethics and cybersecurity.
- Strengthen oversight for AI use in law enforcement, ensuring human rights protections.
- Mandate AI impact assessments before deployment, similar to Canada’s approach.
Conclusion
The petition highlights critical AI-related risks in Kenya and proposes comprehensive legal reforms to ensure digital safety, ethical AI development, and equitable technological progress. If enacted, the proposed amendments will safeguard Kenya’s digital space from emerging cyber threats, protect citizens from AI misuse, and foster sustainable innovation.
About the Robotics Society of Kenya:
The Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) is a registered non-profit organization (R.54783) based in Kenya. With a mission to promote computing in institutions and communities through robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), physical computing, makerspace, Internet of Things (IoT), STEAM, chess education, and research. We aim to engage with a community of passionate educators, volunteers, partners, and sponsors who bring the benefits of technology to schools, classrooms, and communities in Kenya and beyond.
The Robotics Society of Kenya is dedicated to advancing robotics and AI innovation through advocacy, education, and collaboration. The Society works to position Kenya as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation in Africa.
Resources:
[1.] ICT Authority. Information and Communications Technology Authority Bill,2024
[2.] Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy. Kenya National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy 2025–2030
[3.] Kenya Law. The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018
[4.] Kenya Law. The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management) Regulations, 2024
[5.] Kenya Law. Data Protection Act, 2019
[6.] Clyde & Co. Kenya Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Society Bill: A significant step in shaping Kenya’s technological future
[7.] EU. EU AI Act: first regulation on artificial intelligence
[8.] Bernard Marr & Co. 28 Best Quotes About Artificial Intelligence
[9.] Google Docs. Robotics Society of Kenya. Transforming Lives Through Chess and Personalized Learning with the Google Gemini App: The Power of FIDE’s Social Chess Year 2025
[10.] ProQuest.Chess therapy as a new trend in training of future social pedagogues
[11.] Healthline.The 9 Best Benefits of Playing Chess
[12.] Parliament of Kenya:Report on the Petition Concerning the Introduction of Chess Game in the School Curriculum as a Tool for Education and Promotion of Good Health
[13.] Global Teacher Prize.Global Teacher Prize:Chess and Robotics: Two Worlds United
[14.] Daily Nation. How Africa is getting ready for the impending age of robots
[16.] Facebook. Walking To Grow Chess’ Profile: Chess coach walks from Nairobi to Nakuru Sagwe took 6 days to raise profile of Chess in Kenya
[17.] The Star. Chess games now part of CBC
[19.] African Women in Tech. Call to The Ministry of Education Kenya to have a national conference on UNESCO Framework AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit_Teach AI Policy in Kenya Education System
“Artificial intelligence is growing up fast, as are robots whose facial expressions can elicit empathy and make your mirror neurons quiver.” — Diane Ackerman
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Over to you
Thank you for reading. It has been great fun to dive into Key Insights from the Petition for the Amendment of the Draft Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
And hope you picked one or two tips from this post. I’d love to hear from you and learn from your experience and reflections in the comments section below.
