As we mark World Press Freedom Day 2026 under the global theme Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security, the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) stands in solidarity with the storytellers, the whistleblowers, and the digital creators who refuse to be silenced.
In an era where the smartphone is as powerful as the printing press once was, the press is no longer just a building with a masthead. It is the blogger in Lodwar, the investigative journalist in Nairobi, and the social commentator on TikTok. Peace cannot exist without truth, and truth cannot breathe without a free digital space.
While we celebrate our wins, we must be honest about the terrain. Kenya’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has seen a concerning decline, currently sitting at 117th out of 180 countries.
The past year has been defined by Lawfare, the strategic use of legal systems to intimidate and exhaust digital voices. From the misuse of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (CMCA) to the rise of SLAPP suits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), the goal has been clear: to make the price of truth too expensive to pay.
However, 2026 has also brought a beacon of hope. Following a tireless legal battle led by BAKE since 2018, the Court of Appeal recently (February 27, 2026) struck down Sections 22 and 23 of the CMCA, which criminalized “false publication”.
Despite our legal wins, the digital frontier in Kenya remains under siege. As we commemorate this day, we highlight the systemic issues currently threatening our freedom:
- The Persistence of Section 27: While false publication was struck down, Section 27 on cyber harassment remains in effect. We believe this section is still being used as a backdoor for criminal defamation, often targeting those who critique the political class. Just last month, BAKE escalated this fight to the Supreme Court to ensure this vague law cannot be used to silence dissent.
- Safety and Brutality: We remember Alberto Ojwang, a teacher and content creator who tragically died in police custody while facing charges under the now-nullified false publication laws. His death, alongside reports of torture and abductions of digital activists during the 2024 and 2025 protests, underscores the physical danger that comes with digital expression.
- Surveillance and Privacy: Recent investigations revealed that major mobile providers have granted security agencies access to customer call data and location records without legal oversight. This invisible eye creates a chilling effect, making it nearly impossible for journalists to protect their sources.
- Internet Disruptions: The intentional throttling of internet connectivity during moments of national crisis, such as the anti-finance bill protests, is a direct attack on the right to receive and impart information.
Our call to action
A future at peace cannot be built on a foundation of censored voices. To the Government of Kenya, we demand:
- The repeal of all overbroad sections of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (CMCA) + in the amendment act that criminalize speech.
- Accountability for the extrajudicial harassment and physical harm of content creators and journalists.
- Protection of digital privacy by strictly enforcing court-ordered warrants for data access.
To our fellow content creators: Your voice is the currency of our democracy. Do not let the fear of a lawsuit or an arrest warrant diminish your commitment to the truth.
This World Press Freedom Day, we don’t just ask for freedom, we exercise it.