ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo on Monday, January 20, assured Kenyans that the government has the capacity to regulate social media misuse but does not intend to shut anyone off.
Speaking during a visit to KBC, Kabogo emphasized that the government prefers promoting responsible social media use rather than punitive measures.
He cited recent incidents where artificial intelligence was used to create disturbing images of leaders in coffins, prompting discussions on stricter regulations for social media platforms.
“Simply, let us be responsible. We do not want to think about switching off people because the capacity is there,” Kabogo stated.
He urged Kenyans to use social media responsibly, adding, “Instead of putting me in a coffin and displaying it out there, why don’t you just tell me what you want? Why can’t we have a discussion between ourselves and you?”
Kabogo also reminded Kenyans to respect others’ rights, noting that freedom of expression comes with boundaries.
“We know that Kenya has freedom of expression, but that freedom is limited to the extent that it interferes with other people’s freedoms. Your freedom ends where mine starts,” he remarked.
The CS expressed concern over the increasing spread and accessibility of pornographic material on social media, adding that such issues require urgent attention.
“As long as we understand the rules of the game, let us have fun. Let people talk to each other. I would not want to be the person who gags others,” he added.
In response to the misuse of social media, the government has engaged with social media companies to push for stricter adherence to regulations.
The Ministry of Interior has also instructed these companies to establish physical offices in Kenya to ensure accountability and compliance with local laws.
Kabogo’s remarks underscore the government’s focus on fostering responsible online behavior while safeguarding citizens’ freedoms.
