By Nelson Musungu
Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, creative economy and sports has urged politicians to stop exploiting young people to perpetrate online goonism, warning that technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is becoming a major threat to national cohesion and the safety of vulnerable groups.
Speaking at Kibabii University during the official opening of the Second National Conference on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, Mvurya said misusing youths to spread online intimidation, abuse, and defamatory content for political gain is unlawful and undermines the country’s democratic values.
CS Mvurya emphasized that the government is committed to building safer online environments, noting that the fight against TFGBV requires coordinated action across institutions, communities and national agencies.
Mvurya applauded the Computer and Cybercrimes Act, signed into law by President William Ruto, describing it as one of the most important tools in combating TFGBV and protecting citizens from digital harassment.
He noted that the law gives authorities stronger powers to deter, track, and prosecute individuals who misuse technology to harm others.
“I want to applaud the Computer and Cybercrimes Act that was signed into law by President William Ruto. This law is one of the most important tools we have in combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence and protecting our citizens from digital harassment,” Mvurya said. “The Act gives authorities stronger powers to deter, track, and prosecute anyone who misuses technology to harm others.”
The CS further advised young people to shun manipulation by political actors, emphasizing that their skills and creativity should be directed towards building the nation rather than fueling division and online hostility.
“I want to urge our young people to shun any form of manipulation by political actors,” the CS said. “Your skills, energy, and creativity should be used to build this nation, not to fuel division or engage in online hostility.”
He highlighted the success of the NYOTA project, which is providing young Kenyans with opportunities to start and grow their own businesses, improve their livelihoods, and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.
“The NYOTA project is already giving our young people real opportunities to start and grow their own businesses and improve their livelihoods,” Mvurya said. “Through this initiative, we want to ensure that our youth are empowered and not left vulnerable to exploitation.”
Mvurya added that the Ministry deliberately partnered with universities and TVET institutions to create awareness on digital safety and responsible online engagement because the majority of young people are found in learning institutions.
“We chose to work closely with universities and TVET institutions because that is where the majority of our young people are. This partnership helps us create more awareness on digital safety and responsible online engagement across the country.” He added
He urged the youth to uphold patriotism, discipline, and respect both online and offline, adding that Kenya’s development depends on young people choosing peace over violence, and responsibility over manipulation.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who also addressed the forum, raised concern that Bungoma County continues to record high cases of gender-based violence.
Lusaka called on residents to remain vigilant and report all forms of abuse to relevant authorities, stressing that silence only enables perpetrators.
Lusaka reaffirmed the county’s commitment to working with national government agencies, civil society, and academic institutions to reduce GBV cases and ensure survivors receive the necessary support.
Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights Harriet Chiggai urged Kenyans to embrace unity and reject all forms of gender-based violence, emphasizing that lasting change begins with personal responsibility.
“I want to call on the public to love one another and avoid any form of GBV,” Chiggai said. “In many cases gender based violence stems from attitudes that are deeply rooted in individuals. It is a personal decision to choose peace and to help end this vice.”
She stressed that the government cannot be present everywhere, and communities must play an active role in safeguarding one another.
Harriet Chiggai warned perpetrators of gender-based violence, saying that they will face the full force of the law,
“Let me warn those who continue to engage in GBV, when you are found, you will be dealt with according to the law.” She warned
The conference, which drew senior government officials, university leadership, gender-rights advocates, researchers and development partners, marked one of the strongest national calls yet to confront harassment, cyber bullying, impersonation, and online exploitation targeting students, especially young women in universities and TVET institutions.
