Kabogo officially assumes ICT docket, urges responsible use of social media

Newly sworn-in Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) William Kabogo has called for the responsible use of social media, amid online criticisms of President William Ruto’s administration.

Speaking in Nairobi on Saturday when he officially took over from Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, who had been serving as the Acting ICT Minister since December, 2024 following a Cabinet reshuffle, Kabogo noted that his Ministry would undertake a sensitisation campaign to raise awareness on data privacy protections, among other critical digital-space rights.

He however assured that these efforts would not be undertaken with the aim of curtailing freedom of expression, emphasizing that the objective was to promote responsible and respectful online conduct.

Referencing a viral AI-generated deepfake that portrayed President William Ruto in a coffin, CS Kabogo, expressed concern over the growing misuse of digital technology, further emphasizing the importance of promoting ethical online conduct.

“The minute you put someone in a coffin and depict someone in a coffin. It may be fun at your age of 20…what happens when you are 42 and your son is 19 or 20 and someone puts you or depicts you in a coffin. It will not be fun for your children,” said Kabogo.  

“We should be able to talk to our children and to each other and understand that this field is good. Information is power but let us do things responsibly. We have laws that govern misuse and abuse of this platform.”

On his part, Prime CS Mudavadi stated that the planned state visit by Dutch royals to Nairobi, scheduled for between March 18-20, will proceed as scheduled, despite a targeted online campaign aimed at derailing it.

At the behest of President William Ruto, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands have confirmed that they will visit Kenya in March.

The hashtag #CancelStateVisit has been trending on social media since the announcement, with widespread calls for the Dutch royal family to reconsider their plans.

“We did not invite the King of Netherlands or the Royal Family to visit through social media. There are government channels for such invitations. So where is this rumour coming from that because a few people have played on social media that it has affected our relationship with the Netheralands,” said Mudavadi.

“Our partnership with the Netherlands is very solid. There are strong investors in this country and there will continue being strong investors in this country and we have a very good relationship. The rest is just a rumour mill but it may be pleasing those who think it is gaining traction.”