As Kenya becomes increasingly digital, a simple scroll through a phone can expose a child to learning opportunities, entertainment and global conversations β but it can also expose them to cyberbullying, scams, political tension and harmful content, according to a 2025 report by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA).
The report, titled 'Digital Risks and Opportunities for Children in Kenya,' found that 73% of Kenyan children aged 12-17 use the internet, with 41% reporting they had experienced cyberbullying. Additionally, 28% said they had encountered scams or phishing attempts, and 19% reported exposure to violent or extremist content.
KIPPRA recommends that the government strengthen the 2024 Data Protection Act to include specific child online safety provisions, and that schools integrate digital literacy into the curriculum. The report also calls for parental guidance and platform accountability.
Kenya's digital economy is growing rapidly, with internet penetration reaching 56% in 2025, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya. However, the KIPPRA report warns that without robust safeguards, the benefits of connectivity could be undermined by these growing threats.
