By Arasha Soila
More than three out of five Kenyan women in public roles have experienced online harassment, according to findings by the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK).
This is part of a broader trend where technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is on the rise, with forms like harassment, stalking, and exploitation becoming increasingly prevalent.
Kenya’s numbers mirror what’s happening elsewhere in the world. Globally, as many as 58% of women have experienced online violence, making it a widespread concern according to the Institute of Development Studies.
In Kenya, the issue is compounded by a surge in cyber threats, with over 1.1 billion detected between April and June 2024—a 16.5% increase from the previous quarter, as reported by the Communications Authority of Kenya.
This rise in cyber threats highlights the growing vulnerability of individuals, particularly targeting women in public roles including journalists and politicians, with various forms of online gender-based violence, including cyberbullying, phishing, doxing among other digital violations. The continued advancement of communication technology has exacerbated this problem, making TFGBV a significant area of concern.
Further a report by Pollicy highlights that Online Violence Against Women (OVAW) hinders the progress in amplifying women’s political voices. Pollicy organization focuses on influencing a culture of responsible data use, promoting appropriate data governance practices and advocating for policies that support an enabling data environment.
Chepkoech Towett, a consultant specializing in TFGBV, politics, and good governance, was once a victim of online harassment. As a podcast host, she was accustomed to engaging with high-profile and often controversial figures, fostering in-depth discussions on politics and societal issues. However, the same openness that defined her platform also made her vulnerable to online abuse.
The vibrant and articulate podcast host found herself at the center of a storm she never anticipated. What should have been an engaging discussion quickly turned into an attack not on her guest or the topic at hand, but on her appearance.
Trolls on TikTok flooded the platform with comments criticizing her for appearing without makeup for the show and targeting her simply because of her association with the guest. The focus shifted entirely from the content of the interview to her physical looks, leaving her shaken and questioning her abilities.
"The trolls negated the conversation and focused on my physical looks. I faced criticism for appearing without makeup and by association because of the politician I was interviewing who often sparked criticism." Chepkoech said.
For Chepkoech, the experience was deeply personal and profoundly unsettling. As someone who had always been vocal and self-assured, the continuous onslaught of negative comments struck at the core of her confidence.
“The negative comments on TikTok were so distressing that they made me withdraw and lose interest in being part of it,” she said. “This experience led me to question my intellect and professional abilities, wondering if I was truly good at my job.
“The consequences of TFGBV are even worse as it is a slow eater, a slow death, the emotional struggles, the mental anguish and the lack of affordable psychosocial support. You suffer from within not knowing who to talk to,” Chepkoech added. “You go through depression, anxiety and can't point it back to the thing you've suffered.”
Chepkoech’s ordeal demonstrates how TFGBV manifests in ways that are often invisible yet deeply damaging. The emotional toll was immense, but Chepkoech said she was fortunate to have a supportive family who helped her process these feelings and rediscover her strength.
Chepkoech shared how her journey led her to the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), an organization dedicated to combating TFGBV through its Transform program. By sharing her story, she was invited to participate in their training programs, which became a turning point in her journey.
She later began consulting and conducting training sessions for IREX. The Transform program provides critical knowledge, data, and strategies for stakeholders, victims, and survivors to foster meaningful conversations and forge a way forward. Chepkoech describes IREX as an anchor in the fight against TFGBV.
IREX emphasizes cross-sector collaboration, including partnerships with the media, to combat cyberbullying and amplify survivor-centered narratives. Chepkoech highlights the vital role of media in shaping societal perspectives, noting that the more the media shares survivor stories and adopts survivor-centered approaches, the closer we get to making an impact.
She believes that unified storytelling can drive collective action and change societal narratives around TFGBV. According to Chepkoech, through its work, IREX not only strengthens local capacity to address TFGBV but also catalyzes public demand for equity-focused policies and digital norms.
By turning her pain into purpose, she has become an expert voice in the fight against TFGBV. Her resilience serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges and as a call to action for society to foster safer digital spaces where everyone can thrive without fear of harassment or violence.
Challenges in addressing TFGBV
Marjoline Kirima, founder of the End Cyberbullying Association Kenya (ECBA) highlights the challenges of combating cyberbullying in Kenya. She cited a lack of awareness and education on cyberbullying as a major hurdle, particularly among younger generations.
“Many individuals, especially among younger generations, are not fully aware of the emotional and psychological impacts of online bullying. This lack of understanding extends to respecting others' digital rights and the consequences of harmful online behavior,” she said.
Kirima noted that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools has further complicated efforts to combat cyberbullying. She stressed that AI-driven technologies, such as deepfake videos and bots, are increasingly used to spread false information or bullying content at scale.
“This makes it difficult to identify perpetrators and protect victims, as the digital landscape evolves rapidly,” she said. “These challenges highlight the need for innovative solutions to address the evolving nature of cyberbullying.”
Legal gaps and challenges
Addressing TFGBV is fraught with challenges. While Kenya has made strides in addressing online harassment through laws such as the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, which criminalizes cyberbullying, enforcement remains an area of concern. Many individuals are not fully aware of these laws, and there is often a gap in understanding how to report incidents of cyberbullying effectively.
Authorities, judicial actors, and law enforcement officers often do not fully comprehend TFGBV. Unlike Gender-Based Violence, TFGBV has not been anchored in law, making it difficult to prosecute and achieve results.
It remains a relatively new phenomenon, and even prosecutors and lawyers are struggling to understand how to prosecute these offenses and hold perpetrators accountable. This lack of legal clarity and understanding exacerbates the difficulties in addressing TFGBV effectively.
Interventions
Digital safety and security are critical components in combating TFGBV. Additionally, Towett recommended interventions for safer digital spaces.
A proactive approach begins with individual responsibility and awareness. Users must take accountability for their online actions and be conscious of the potential consequences of what they post. Educating individuals, particularly young people, on the responsible use of social media and online platforms is essential to fostering a culture of positive digital engagement.
Building a culture that promotes the use of digital platforms for constructive purposes such as learning, professional opportunities, and community building is another key intervention. Encouraging users to leverage these platforms for meaningful outcomes can help shift the narrative toward positive online interactions.
Practical steps to enhance digital safety include creating strong, unique passwords for each platform to prevent unauthorized access. Lack of awareness about basic cybersecurity measures often leads to vulnerabilities, such as account infiltration.
Training programs and awareness campaigns should emphasize the importance of securing personal information and staying informed about emerging digital threats.
By integrating these measures into broader TFGBV interventions, government officials, cybersecurity experts and technology companies can empower individuals to protect themselves while fostering safer online spaces for all users. Additionally, enhanced legal frameworks and improved reporting mechanisms, psychosocial support is essential.
