November Roundup: A Month of Digital Rights and Advocacy
November was exciting for KICTANet, led by the Board of Trustees and the entire secretariat team. It was a month anchored on digital rights and advocacy in Kenya.
First, we have initiated the development of our third strategic plan. This endeavour aims to chart a course for the organisation’s future, building upon our past successes and addressing emerging challenges in the digital landscape.
The new strategic plan will guide KICTANet’s work over the next three years (2025-2027), focusing on key areas such as digital rights advocacy, policy and regulatory reforms, digital literacy and capacity building, and digital inclusion.
Key Highlights in the Month
Featured Stories
1. Amplifying Marginalized Voices
KICTANet is among ten awardees selected by the Women in the Digital Economy Fund WiDEF) to empower rural Kenyan women digitally. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and provide women with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
2. Protecting Our Digital Future
A new report by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and KICTANet sheds light on the human rights situation in Kenya's digital landscape. This analysis highlights the challenges and opportunities facing digital rights advocates in Kenya. The report, submitted to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) 49th session, outlines recommendations aimed at addressing critical concerns, including digital access, freedom of expression, privacy, and gender-based violence online.
3. AI: A Double-Edged Sword?
Kenya's embrace of AI has raised important questions about ethical AI development. KICTANet is actively engaged in discussions on how to harness the power of AI while mitigating potential risks.
The UK-Kenya AI Challenge Fund, led by the African Centre for Technology Studies - ACTS, is set to revolutionize various sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and public service delivery.
This collaboration between Kenya and the UK aims to:
- Foster strong partnerships
- Promote responsible AI development
- Build institutional capacity
- Create real-world AI solutions
By prioritizing safety, ethics, equity, and inclusion, this initiative ensures that the benefits of AI reach every Kenyan.
MozFest 2024: A Global Gathering for Digital Rights
KICTANet Takes the Stage
Cherie Oyier , Programs Officer-Women’s Digital Rights, attended MozFest 2024 in Zambia. At this global gathering of digital rights activists and innovators, Cherie represented KICTANet's commitment to empowering women and girls online.
Cherie delved into the pressing issue of gendered disinformation and its impact on women and girls. She discussed KICTANet's work in combating this harmful phenomenon and shared insights on multi-stakeholder approaches to address the problem.
Surveillance and Privacy: A Global Concern
In addition to her work on gendered disinformation, Cherie participated in a working session on surveillance and its intersection with human rights organised by DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance . She highlighted the challenges posed by surveillance technologies in Kenya, particularly for marginalized groups.
Strengthening Digital Communities and Combating Online Violence
KICTANet, in partnership with the UK Government's Digital Access Programme, the Government of Kenya, and the County Governments of Busia and Mandera, is working to empower communities through digital skills and access. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive digital landscape.
As we navigate the digital age, it's crucial to address the darker side of technology: technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). This alarming trend disproportionately affects women, girls, and gender minorities, manifesting as cyberbullying, trolling, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
KICTANet is committed to combating TFGBV and creating safe online spaces for all. By fostering digital literacy, promoting ethical online behaviour, and advocating for strong legal frameworks, we can empower individuals to protect themselves and challenge harmful online practices.
Stay Tuned for More
As we move forward, KICTANet remains committed to protecting digital rights and empowering marginalized communities. We invite you to join us in shaping a more just and equitable digital future.