As Kenya’s digital ecosystem continues to expand, the urgency to foster safer, more inclusive, and rights-respecting online spaces cannot be overemphasized. In efforts to address emerging issues within the space, the FECoMo Coalition, through the UNESCO’s Social Media for Peace (SM4P) Phase II project, in collaboration with Internews and KICTANet under the KenSafeSpace Project, both funded by European Union, convened a training workshop from May 7-9, 2025, in Naivasha. The initiative brought together over 50 stakeholders affiliated with the FECoMo coalition and KenSafeSpace network. Participants included regulators, human rights defenders, research institutions, tech actors and grassroots organisations working across key thematic areas related to digital rights, safety, inclusion, and governance.
The convening came at a critical time, following the 2024 anti-finance bill protests in Kenya, which saw the rise of digital activism where digital platforms played a significant role in mobilising civic action and driving public discourse. Whilst this was a key indicator of the possibilities abound with digital platforms, it also exposed significant threats within the space that manifested in the form of disinformation, cyberbullying, doxxing, hate speech, and tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Such public interest events, including Kenya’s upcoming general elections, underscore the need to enhance stakeholder understanding, foster strategic networks, and develop practical approaches to promoting digital safety, inclusion, and responsible online engagement. The workshop provided a timely platform to discuss key issues, including recommendations and action points for key stakeholders in the digital space.
Key discussion points and outcomes from the workshop
- A major focus of the workshop was on the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as AI, surveillance systems. These technologies, while transformative, present pressing concerns around data protection, content governance, and digital exclusion, particularly for marginalised populations. Stakeholders called for more agile, human rights-aligned legal frameworks, improved enforcement capacity, and greater investment in digital literacy and public awareness.
- A key session on data privacy encouraged participants to reflect on how personal information is collected, stored, and used, particularly in programmes targeting at-risk or marginalised communities. Through a practical group exercise, participants examined common gaps in consent, security, and ethical data use. The discussion reinforced the importance of adopting privacy-by-design principles, limiting data collection to what is necessary, and ensuring communication is clear, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed.
- The question of regulation, “who should regulate digital platforms and how”, sparked rich dialogue. While many participants supported a co-regulation model involving both government and tech companies, concerns were raised about government overreach and opaque platform moderation practices that often result in unaccountable power. A concern for overregulation was also raised with proposals for guidelines/code of conduct brought forth to encourage responsible online behaviour. The need for localised moderation tools and accountability mechanisms was a recurring theme.
- One of the workshop’s standout moments was the Kenya ICT Policy Reviews session, where participants proposed urgent legal reforms, including the review of Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, stronger legal recognition of TFGBV, and amendments to the Data Protection Act to better safeguard user rights.
- Participants were also introduced to the Phoenix User Manual Tool, an open-source platform by BuildUp that enables real-time monitoring of online trends such as hate speech and disinformation. This tool was recognised as a vital asset for civil society organisations engaged in digital threat detection and advocacy.
- Regulatory approaches from other jurisdictions were explored, drawing lessons on how global frameworks can inform local policy development. In a related session, the ICT policy-making process in Kenya was unpacked, highlighting the importance of inclusive consultations, evidence-based decision-making, and adapting international norms to fit local contexts.
- Participants were encouraged to engage in policy and legal processes at all levels, for example, contributing to the African Commission’s AI study, the UN Digital Compacts, and Africa’s AI Continental Strategy. Success was defined as Kenyan voices shaping global digital policy, safer online spaces for vulnerable groups, and a resilient, informed coalition of rights defenders. The call to action was clear: (i) stay active in regional networks, (ii) share grassroots insights, (iii) respond to public consultations, and (iv) use digital platforms to amplify advocacy and drive inclusive policy change.
- The workshop also facilitated a review of the Draft National Guidelines for Addressing Disinformation, Misinformation, and Hate Speech, whose development was led by NCIC with support from FECoMo. Participants provided feedback on language clarity, rights-based safeguards, and practical applicability in local contexts. These guidelines, set for launch in June, aim to ensure inclusive, transparent, and effective responses to online harms in Kenya.
Beyond reflective learning and providing proactive recommendations, the workshop highlighted the critical role of coalitions in amplifying digital rights advocacy. Representatives from FECoMo, KenSafeSpace, and TrustLab shared lessons on building decentralised, values-driven networks. Emphasis was placed on joint advocacy, mentorship for grassroots organisations, and aligned work plans to increase impact and resilience across all levels. These collaborative approaches strengthen resilience, foster knowledge sharing, and enhance influence at national, regional, and global levels.
Participants shared upcoming initiatives and reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to promote safer, more inclusive online environments across Kenya.
About the SM4P Project
The Social Media 4 Peace project, currently in phase II, is a UNESCO EU-funded initiative which seeks to strengthen the resilience of societies to potentially harmful content spread online, in particular hate speech inciting violence, while protecting freedom of expression and enhancing the promotion of peace through digital technologies, notably social media.
FeCoMo – the National Coalition on Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation is a multi-stakeholder coalition formed under the SM4P Project that brings together tech stakeholders, academia, government, think tanks and civil society organisations to foster collaboration in addressing online harmful content, particularly disinformation and hate speech, while safeguarding freedom of expression in Kenya.
About KenSafeSpace Project
The Kenya Safe and Inclusive Digital Space (KenSafeSpace) Action is a 30-month project funded by the European Union, implemented by Internews, Internet Without Borders (IWB) and KICTANet. This initiative aims to amplify Kenyan human rights organisations’ voice, capacity, and influence to advocate for a democratic, safe, and inclusive digital environment. The consortium also collaborates with organisations such as the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), Tribeless Youth, Mzalendo Trust, and Watoto Watch Network (WWN) to support advocacy and research activities.
Authored by Noreen Wekati, Research Analyst, ACEPIS
