Anyone publishing fake news or sharing indecent videos faces a jail term of upto two years or a fine of upto Sh5 million.
This is according to a new law, Computer and Cybercrime Bill passed by the National Assembly last week on Thursday.
The Bill which is set to be presented to President Uhuru Kenyatta for assent will curb publication of false, misleading or fictitious information which encompasses content likely to incite violence, hate speech and injure other peoples reputation.
Leader of Majority in Parliament Aden Duale said the proposed law once signed into law will address impunity that has been there especially in social media in regard to cybercrime.
“There are people who acted and behaved with impunity, but this law will deal with them upon assent,” Duale said according to Nairobi News.
He added: “This bill will deal with those who create fake news. This bill will deal with those who use technology in the wrong way, like what happened to the Deputy Governor of Kirinyaga.”
“This bill will deal with those guys who make people die 10 times when they are still alive.”
In the new law passed by Parliament, anyone sharing pornographic content will be liable to Sh300, 000 fine or 30years in jail.
The law comes in the wake of outcry from various quarters especially after an extortion racket targeting MPs.