Elachi Vows to Amend Social Media Laws Amid Cyberbullying Concerns

Dagoretti North legislator Beatrice Elachi leads call for stricter online regulations following National Prayer Breakfast

Kenyan lawmakers are preparing to introduce stricter regulations on social media platforms following growing concerns over cyberbullying, inappropriate content sharing, and online harassment targeting politicians and citizens alike.

Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi announced the legislative initiative during a television appearance, citing the proliferation of harmful content on social media platforms as a key driver for the proposed amendments.

“Social media is good and was meant to build self, but was not meant for Kenyans to send us their nakedness because that’s what they are doing to us. We will amend the law,” Elachi stated during her appearance on Citizen TV.

The MP expressed particular concern about the impact on young people, arguing that social media platforms have become breeding grounds for cyberbullying, child exploitation, pornography distribution, and gambling promotion. She characterized the current situation as an abuse of freedom of expression rather than its legitimate exercise.

“As women parliamentarians, one day we will open our phones and show you the things we see. We will sort that out by amending the law,” Elachi warned, suggesting that female legislators bear a disproportionate burden of online harassment.

The announcement follows a National Prayer Breakfast held on May 28, where Members of Parliament from across party lines gathered to address what they described as a growing crisis of online hate and division. The event, themed “Rise and Rebuild,” saw legislators calling for divine intervention to address social media abuse.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula set the tone for the gathering, emphasizing that the annual event had evolved beyond tradition to become a platform for addressing national challenges. During the prayer session, Elachi directly addressed what she termed “the evil spirit behind the abuse of social media.”

“Our youth are hopeless, and we pray that the spirit of social media running our country is dealt with. May we stand for what is best for our nation and future generations,” she declared during the prayer session.

The proposed amendments represent a significant shift in Kenya’s approach to online content regulation, though specific details of the planned legislation have not yet been disclosed. The initiative reflects broader concerns across Africa about balancing digital freedoms with protection from online harm.

Critics of increased social media regulation often argue that such measures could restrict legitimate political discourse and freedom of expression, particularly in countries where social media serves as a vital platform for civic engagement and government accountability.

The timing of the announcement is notable, coming as Kenya grapples with broader questions about digital governance and the role of social media in political and social discourse. The country has previously implemented regulations on digital platforms, though enforcement and effectiveness have varied.

Elachi’s comments suggest that the proposed amendments will target multiple areas of concern, including cyberbullying prevention, restrictions on inappropriate content sharing, and measures to protect minors from exploitation. However, the specific mechanisms for enforcement and the scope of the regulations remain unclear.

The cross-party nature of the National Prayer Breakfast gathering indicates potential bipartisan support for social media regulation, though the legislative process will likely involve extensive debate about the appropriate balance between online safety and digital rights.

As Kenya’s parliament prepares to tackle this complex issue, stakeholders across the digital ecosystem will be watching closely to see how the proposed amendments might reshape the country’s online landscape and what precedent they might set for digital governance across the region.

The success of any such legislation will likely depend on its ability to address legitimate concerns about online harm while preserving the democratic and economic benefits that social media platforms provide to Kenyan society.