Kenya has joined the global community in marking Safer Internet Day 2025, with a strong focus on child protection and cybersecurity.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), in collaboration with leading technology firms such as Meta, Google, and Safaricom, convened a high-profile event in Nairobi to address emerging digital threats.
Government representatives, industry leaders, educators, and cybersecurity experts attended the event to explore strategies for ensuring a safer digital environment.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Professor Edward Kisiang’ani, underscored the urgent need to protect children from online threats.
He noted that while the internet offers numerous opportunities, it also exposes young users to risks such as exploitation and harmful content.
“We must collectively ensure that the internet remains a space for learning, growth, and innovation, rather than a tool for harm,” said Prof Kisiang’ani.
He also called for international collaboration in cybersecurity and the development of universal regulatory frameworks to enhance online safety.
The Kenyan government has taken steps to strengthen digital security, including rolling out 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable and establishing 1,450 digital hubs across the country.
These efforts aim to enhance digital accessibility while safeguarding users from cyber threats.
CAK Director General David Mugonyi highlighted the dual impact of the internet in Kenya, acknowledging its role in economic and social transformation while warning of dangers such as cyberbullying, fraud, and hacking.
He revealed that Kenya had recorded 1.5 billion cyber threat attempts over the past six months, urging internet users to remain cautious and adopt best practices for online safety.
Representing Safaricom, Patricia Chepkoech, Senior Lead for Cybersecurity and Defence, addressed the risks associated with mobile money transactions.
She pointed out that fraudsters often target digital financial platforms, particularly M-Pesa, and explained the measures Safaricom has implemented to protect users.
Chepkoech also highlighted M-Pesa Go, a product designed to offer children a secure financial ecosystem while promoting digital literacy.
Caroline Simba, Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer at Jamii Telecommunications, emphasised the importance of digital literacy in mitigating online risks.
Citing reports from UNICEF and Interpol, she noted that six out of ten children aged 8 to 12 encounter cyber risks, reinforcing the need for parental guidance and education on responsible internet use.
Michael Mirungi, Google’s Governance Affairs and Public Policy Lead, showcased tools such as Google Family Link, which enables parents to monitor their children’s digital activity. He also introduced ‘Experience AI,’ an initiative aimed at educating students on artificial intelligence, including its ethical implications.
Speaking on behalf of Meta, Mercy Ndegwa detailed the company’s commitment to online safety, highlighting features designed to help parents manage their children’s experiences on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
She revealed that Meta has invested in more than 30 tools and employs 40,000 personnel globally to enhance user safety.
Fiona Asonga, CEO of the Technology Service Providers of Kenya (TESPOK), called on technology firms to directly engage with schools to promote online safety.
She stressed that providing internet access to schools must be accompanied by efforts to educate children on responsible digital use.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that collaboration between the government, technology firms, educators, and parents is essential in fostering a secure and responsible online environment.
The observance of Safer Internet Day 2025 served as both a reflection on achievements made and a renewed commitment to tackling digital threats in Kenya’s evolving online landscape.
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