The National Assembly has passed the National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024 with amendments.

The National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Hon. Peter Masara (Suna West), seeks to entrench mental health and wellness support in law for all police officers. The legislation mandates the establishment of well-equipped wellness centres in every county, with services delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Moving the Bill, Hon. Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga) highlighted its necessity in addressing recurring challenges within the service. “The mental well-being of police officers is something which concerns all of us. Many tragic incidents involving misuse of firearms have roots in untreated mental health challenges. This Bill gives us a framework to address those realities.”

On his part, Hon. Adan Keynan (Eldas, JP) lauded the reforms, noting, “This is a good Bill. It injects professionalism, enhances accountability within the police service and ensures their welfare is treated with dignity. A decent society must care for those who secure it.”

The Bill further strengthens the Commission’s mandate in disciplinary oversight by requiring it to review decisions of the Inspector-General and to hear appeals lodged by officers.

Members of the National Assembly also considered amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024, tabled by the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation chaired by Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South).

Clause 3, empowers authorities to direct the removal or blocking of websites and applications found to promote unlawful activities, inappropriate sexual content involving minors, terrorism, or religious extremism and cultism. This gives judicial officers clear powers to act swiftly in curbing online abuse and child exploitation.

The definition of phishing attacks by including fraudulent links sent via emails and multimedia messages, reflecting the shift from traditional SMS scams to sophisticated digital fraud. Committee Chairperson Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South) explained that phishing has become “the order of the day,” noting that cybercriminals now exploit embedded links in multimedia communications to steal personal data.

Further, Clause 6 introduces a new section empowering courts to order the removal of unlawful digital content, deactivate websites, or shut down compromised devices used in cybercrimes.

Hon. Aden Mohamed (Wajir East) pointed out that the amendments will tighten the law, told the House, “This amendment tidies up the provisions of the Act to deal firmly with unlawful activities online and to safeguard children from exploitation.”

Supporting the Bill, Hon. Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North) stressed the need to regulate harmful digital platforms that exploit vulnerable groups, while Hon. Zamzam Mohammed (Mombasa County) underscored the importance of protecting the dignity of leaders and citizens against cyber defamation.

Chairperson Hon. Kiarie noted, “Legislation has to catch up with evolving technology. These amendments fortify the law to protect citizens and maintain dignity in digital spaces.”