Kabogo: State should engage Gen Zs on internet ethics

ICT and Digital Economy CS nominee William Kabogo has called on the young generation in the country to utilize the internet positively.

Speaking on Tuesday when he appeared in Parliament for vetting, Kabogo said that youths should not use the freedom of expression to infringe on the freedom of others.

The former Kiambu Governor said that the Gen Zs and millennials will in a few years become parents and would not want such behaviour on the internet.

“The laws are there, we have for example Computer Misuse and the law that governs such misuse is just part of enforcement that needs to be improved and regular review of the law and also cognisant of the fact that there is freedom of expression in Kenya,” Kabogo said.

“We have to strike a balance so that the freedom of one is not used to infringe on the freedom of others.”

The CS nominee said the government should be thinking about engaging the young generation on how to have ethical use of cyberspace or internet space.

“Today they will be Gen Zs but in a couple of years, they will be fathers," he said.

He said that those who misuse the internet will suffer consequences once they are parents.

This comes after the young generation has been criticised for irresponsible online behaviour.

On January 11, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a stern warning to those misusing social media platforms.

Murkomen emphasised that there are sufficient provisions within the law to hold offenders accountable and the government will not hesitate to arrest and charge them.

“We will not tolerate this any longer. The country must operate under law and order,” he stated.

Speaking during the funeral of Ian Singoei in Chepalungu, Bomet, the CS reassured Kenyans that his actions would be apolitical, focusing solely on enforcing the law, regardless of the accused's affiliations.

“Nobody can intimidate us. I don’t engage in politics anymore - what matters is the rule of law and so from now henceforth, you are going to see apolitical Murkomen,” he said.

While strongly condemning online harassment and the spread of offensive content, Murkomen aimed at those circulating defamatory images and malicious propaganda, particularly those targeting judges, church leaders, and political figures.