In an era where digital landscapes shape public discourse and national security, the Kenyan government is rallying its vibrant youth population to stand as the first line of defense against the insidious spread of misinformation, disinformation, and cyber threats. At the heart of this call to action was the 2025 Cybersecurity Youth Forum, a pivotal event hosted by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Kenya Cybersecurity and Forensics Association (KCSFA). Under the compelling theme “Unpacking Misinformation and Disinformation,” the forum underscored the urgent need to fortify Kenya’s cyberspace, transforming potential vulnerabilities into opportunities for innovation, job creation, and national resilience.
The forum, held amid growing concerns over digital manipulation’s real-world impacts, brought together industry leaders, educators, and tech experts to empower young Kenyans—who constitute the majority of the population—with essential skills. According to the 2019 national census, a staggering 75% of Kenyans are under 35, with 67% aged between 18 and 35. This demographic dominance positions youth not just as users of digital platforms but as key architects of a safer online ecosystem. As CA Director General David Mugonyi articulated in a speech delivered by Dr. Vincent Ngundi, Director of Cyber Security at CA, “The youth are not just the future of this country; they are the present. It is not about preparing them for tomorrow, because that tomorrow is actually today. We need to empower them to make informed decisions, and that is the purpose of this forum.”
Mugonyi emphasized the dual role of youth: vulnerable to misleading content yet uniquely equipped to counter it through critical thinking and responsible digital practices. He warned of the tangible harms caused by false information—whether inadvertently shared or deliberately crafted to sow division—ranging from eroded public trust to threats against national security. To address these challenges, the government highlighted a suite of ongoing initiatives designed to bolster digital literacy and cyber resilience. These include National Cybersecurity Boot Camps, Hackathons, the Universal Service Fund, and the annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As an industry regulator, CA extends its mandate beyond mere enforcement, anchoring digital trust through frameworks like the Child Online Protection Guidelines, mandatory SIM card registration, and collaborations with social media giants to moderate harmful content. “These interventions are central to making Kenya’s digital ecosystem inclusive and secure,” Mugonyi asserted, highlighting the regulator’s proactive stance in fostering a trusted online environment.
Echoing these sentiments, KCSFA Chairman Keniz Agira raised alarms about the rising tide of youth involvement in cybercrime, attributing it to the rapid evolution of technology outpacing policy and institutional responses. “Technology is changing so fast. We moved from physical meetings to online platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic, and now we are grappling with Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT. Youth are quick to adopt, but some extend curiosity beyond the limits and venture into cybercrime,” Agira observed. He pointed to vulnerabilities in critical sectors like banking and education, where cybercriminals exploit gaps in outdated systems. Recent arrests of young hackers and fraudsters serve as stark reminders of these risks, underscoring the need for structured mentorship and guidance. “These gaps will always be there, but we must continue building resilience and ensure that young people channel their skills towards positive innovations,” Agira urged, advocating for a shift from exploitation to ethical innovation.
Education emerged as a cornerstone in this battle, with Dr. Paul Wanjohi, Executive Director of Sharp Education Centre, advocating for early integration of values and ethics into digital learning. He praised the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for embedding ICT education with moral principles, ensuring that learners from basic education levels understand the responsibilities accompanying technological proficiency. “Everything is going ICT. The government has invested in policies to integrate technology into the Competency-Based Curriculum. From basic education, learners are being taught values so that when they grow up, they don’t misuse cyberspace for crime,” Dr. Wanjohi explained. However, he cautioned against the pitfalls of AI misuse in academia, such as students submitting AI-generated assignments without grasping the underlying knowledge—a trend that undermines genuine skill development. Drawing inspiration from global leaders like Israel, China, and the United States, he called for Kenya to nurture young talent from schools, redirecting potential hackers toward defensive innovations. “Our society must raise youth who use cyberspace positively. Instead of a young person hacking into a company’s account, we would rather see that talent directed towards innovations that prevent attacks,” he advised, envisioning a future where youth-driven advancements propel national development.
Domain regulation also plays a critical role in curbing misinformation, as highlighted by Esther Adwets, Data Protection and Quality Assurance Officer at the Kenya Network Information Centre (KENIC). She detailed the dangers of fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate entities, such as a recent case where a fake domain impersonated a reputable news outlet, deceiving the public and amplifying falsehoods. “When such sites are reported, we work with regulators to suspend them immediately. This prevents further spread of false information and protects citizens from exploitation,” Adwets stated. Misinformation, she noted, preys on emotions like fear and bias, making verification a non-negotiable habit. Advocating a “zero trust” approach, she urged Kenyans to question online content relentlessly: “We must educate ourselves and the wider public that what we see online is not always what it seems. Verification should be our first instinct. Even a familiar face or a seemingly trusted source can spread manipulated content.”
On the innovative front, Arthur Adinda, Founder of the Nairobi AI Community, positioned artificial intelligence as a game-changer in fact-checking and content moderation. AI platforms, leveraging vast news archives, can swiftly authenticate information and filter out fakes, allowing users to focus on productive endeavors. “Artificial intelligence is the future of work and also a vital tool in addressing fake news. We now have locally relevant fact-checking platforms that allow Kenyans to focus on meaningful work while relying on automation to filter misleading content,” Adinda explained. Beyond individual benefits, AI safeguards institutions from reputational damage and digital propaganda. He implored youth and professionals to view AI adoption as a civic duty: “If we automate repetitive processes and adopt fact-checking solutions, we can safeguard our democracy and protect society from the harmful effects of fake news.”
The forum’s panel discussions grappled with the delicate balance between freedom of expression and disinformation control, rejecting outright censorship in favor of sustainable strategies like digital literacy campaigns and ethical online conduct. By equipping youth with tools to navigate emerging threats, the event aimed to cultivate responsible digital citizenship and enhance national cyber defenses.
As Kenya navigates an increasingly interconnected world, this youth-centric initiative signals a proactive shift toward a resilient digital future. By investing in skills development, partnerships, and ethical innovation, the government is not only addressing immediate threats but also unlocking economic opportunities in cybersecurity and tech sectors. For young Kenyans, the message is clear: the power to shape a secure cyberspace lies in their hands, turning potential pitfalls into pathways for progress and prosperity.
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