Security dynamics in the digital era: A case of Kenya

The digital era has profoundly transformed the security landscape across the globe, with the internet and associated social media platforms becoming crucial tools having both positive and negative impacts on the security and governance of countries. In Kenya, where the youth make up 75% of the population according to the 2019 Census report, digital platforms such as X, Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok became instrumental in organizing, mobilizing, and crowd funding, and disseminating information for nationwide protests that began on June 18, 2024[1]. These protests, which initially arose in response to the perceived punitive measures in Finance Bill 2024, quickly evolved into a broader social movement addressing larger governance issues such as corruption, unemployment, political insensitivity, high cost of living, and inflation. The protests, largely driven by Generation Zoomers[2] (those born between 1997 and 2012), posed significant challenges to traditional security structures, leading to the resignation of the then Inspector General of Police[3] and the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 by the President, who also dismissed his entire cabinet and engaged with the youth on the X platform, promising further changes in the government[4]. Against this backdrop, this paper examines how digital platforms impact on the Kenyan security dynamics.

The digital era has revolutionized communication, allowing individuals and groups to bypass mainstream media and connect, share information, and mobilize around common causes, thereby diminishing the government’s ability to control the narrative. In Kenya, this shift has been particularly evident during recent protests, where social media platforms played a pivotal role in organizing mass protests[5]. The speed and reach of these platforms enabled protest organizers to quickly disseminate information, coordinate actions, and rally support, with hash tags like #RejectFinanceBill2024, #NaneNaneMarch and #OccupyParliament drawing national and international attention[6]. Additionally, the youth leveraged on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create images, songs, and videos that amplified messages and reached wider audiences, further influencing public opinion during the protests[7].

While these digital tools have empowered citizens, they have also introduced new complexities to the security sector, challenging the state’s ability to maintain order while respecting democratic freedoms. Traditional methods of surveillance and intelligence gathering today struggle to keep up with the decentralized and real-time nature of digital communication, making it difficult for security forces to anticipate and control insecurity threats. This has led to heavy-handed responses from the police that have been widely criticized. For example, on June 25^th2024, the security apparatus were inadequately prepared when the protests turned violent, resulting in looting and widespread destruction of property across the country including the City Hall and Parliament buildings[8]. Additionally, the high volume of content generated on social media also overwhelmed security agencies, making it challenging to filter credible threats from misleading information.

In as much as digital platforms have enhanced political knowledge, accountability, and transparency, they have also been used to spread misinformation and disinformation, escalating tensions and leading to unrest based on false narratives[9]. The protests initially arose organically, however various state and non-state actors were later accused of infiltrating them, leading to an escalation in violence[10]. A section of the political class has particularly been criticized for using these platforms to disseminate propaganda and disinformation, mobilizing protestors to advance their own agendas. These platforms therefore create an environment which certain individuals can exploit to create instability, and when digital communications are weaponized, they pose a threat to national security and societal cohesion[11]. For example, personal information, such as the mobile numbers and residential addresses of members of the political class, were shared online in violation of the Data Protection Act of 2019, prompting a warning from the Office of the Data Commissioner[12]. The use of encrypted applications and closed networks such as WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram allows protestors to organize without fear of harassment by law enforcement, but it also makes it more difficult for authorities to monitor online activities and detect threats.

The National Police Service (NPS), has also been blamed by citizens for obstructing the rights and freedoms of free expression during the protests, which are enshrined in the Kenyan constitution, under the guise of preserving national security[13]. The state’s use of digital surveillance tools raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties, with allegations of the government using these tools to monitor online activity, track individuals involved in protests, and intimidate potential protestors. These claims, which have included illegal abductions and internet outages to disrupt access to real-time information, have been widely criticized for infringing on free speech and access to information[14]. While the state’s concerns about security are valid, there is a risk that these measures taken to address digital threats could undermine democratic principles. The challenge for Kenya, as for many other nations, is to strike a balance between ensuring security and respecting the rights of citizens to organize, protest, and express themselves. Heavy-handed responses will lead to loss of public trust and further fuel dissent among citizens.

The protests have also had international ramifications, tarnishing Kenya’s image as a peaceful hub in the region. The United Nations Secretary-General, along with various embassies and high commissions in Kenya, issued statements urging protestors and government to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues[15]. The United States of America (USA), in particular, condemned the Kenyan government for human rights violations during the protests including police brutality and abduction of protestors[16].

As Kenya’s digital economy continues to thrive, cyber security threats will continue to present challenges since their attacks are more strategic using sophisticated tools. The Communications Authority (CA) of Kenya indicated that the National Computer Incident Response Team Coordination Centre(NCIRTCC) detected 971,440,345 cyber-attacks aimed at Kenyan state agencies, internet and cloud service providers, and academic institutions between January and March 2024[17]. CA also opined that AI is being used to generate deep fakes to impersonate individuals making them harder to detect as it enables criminals to execute these attacks rapidly and widely. These deep fakes can potentially be used to create pseudo accounts with the intention to mobilize and organize protests using any agenda including for malicious purposes.

Kenya, through the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) has aimed to strengthen cyber security governance and increase cyber security preparedness. To achieve this, it has drafted the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management) Regulations 2024, which parliament recently passed[18]. The regulations outline measures to address these threats by equipping organizations and individuals with the requisite knowledge and tools to enhance their cyber security preparedness. Despite these efforts, individuals and organizations are yet to fully adopt cyber security measures to protect themselves. This leaves them vulnerable to attacks.

As Kenya continues to drive its digital transformation agenda, the security landscape will become increasingly complex, with social media and digital platforms playing a central role in protest mobilization. While these tools have empowered citizens and amplified their voices, they have also created significant challenges for the state’s security apparatus. Balancing the need for security with the protection of civil liberties will be an ongoing challenge for Kenya, requiring careful consideration of the implications of digital surveillance, control, and regulation. As the country navigates these challenges, it will be crucial to ensure that responses to digital mobilization do not undermine the democratic foundations on which the state is built.

In conclusion, this paper recommends more coordinated approaches in cyber security threat assessments, leveraging on these digital platforms as an early warning system by monitoring online content, mapping violent incidents, and building case scenarios. There is also need for enhanced and continuous capacity development in the cyber security sector as these threats evolve. Additionally, social media users should promote truthful, peaceful, and constructive dialogues. The youth should also pursue peaceful means of engaging the government and fact-checking before amplifying messages that might be incorrect. On the other hand mainstream media should also intensify its efforts to raise awareness about the spread of fake news and information verification on digital platforms. In dealing with protestors, the police should uphold the National Police Act of 2011, which advocates for the use of proportionate measures and necessary actions to de-escalate violent situations. NC4 should also actively promote cyber security best practices while continuously enhancing regulatory frameworks that address emerging challenges, such as the use of AI.

Notes

[1]https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/kenya-gen-z-led-demos-see-upsurge-in-social-media-use-4712162

[2]https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2jj5mee1pmo

[3]https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenyas-police-chief-resigns-following-criticism-over-protests-2024-07-12/

[4]https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/east-and-southern-africa/kenya/what-behind-kenyas-protest-movement

[5]https://www.csis.org/analysis/taking-charge-gen-z-leads-historic-protests-kenya

[6]https://www.kictanet.or.ke/rejectfinancebill2024-trends-how-kenyan-youth-leveraged-social-media-for-powerful-resistance/

[7]https://theconversation.com/kenya-protests-gen-z-shows-the-power-of-digital-activism-driving-change-from-screens-to-the-streets-233065

[8]https://acleddata.com/2024/07/19/anti-tax-demonstrations-spread-nationwide-and-highlight-kenyas-structural-challenges-july-2024/

[9]https://theconversation.com/how-social-media-are-levelling-kenyas-political-field-and-lessons-learnt-144697

[10]https://ntvkenya.co.ke/news/6-politicians-2-ngos-trader-on-police-radar-over-protests/

[11]https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/27186