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A recent study from Equality Now has revealed that social media platforms and digital technologies are becoming more frequently utilized to target and mistreat women and girls in Kenya.

The research indicates that online sexual exploitation and abuse (OSEA) is increasing, as offenders utilize technology to target, manipulate, and harm individuals.

The study emphasizes an increasing number of instances involving technology-enabled sex trafficking, online manipulation, blackmail, and the unauthorized distribution of private images, such as deepfake content.

The report, Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Kenya: Survivor Stories and Legal Measures, accounts of 20 survivors.

It explains how predators take advantage of social media, dating applications, encrypted systems, and mobile money services like M-Pesa to focus on vulnerable women.

Developed by Equality Now in collaboration with KICTANet, HAART Kenya, Life Bloom Services International, and Trace Kenya, the report advocates for immediate, survivor-focused legal changes and enhanced safeguarding measures.

A companion policy brief, Beyond the Digital Sphere: Tackling Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Both Online and Offline Worlds, describes the ways in which online and offline abuse overlap.

It cautions that Kenya’s inadequate legislation, weak implementation, and disjointed organizations are resulting in survivors not receiving justice.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok have emerged as significant channels for targeting women in harmful circumstances.

Insufficient oversight and inadequate enforcement from technology companies have enabled offenders to act without restraint.

Predators exploit, threaten, and torment their targets effortlessly, frequently spanning international boundaries.

Some survivors were forced into sexual activities, had their abuse broadcast live, or were trafficked after being promised employment or financial assistance.

Out of the 20 survivors who were interviewed, 18 received false job offers or financial incentives. More than half became victims of scams connected to their jobs. Four individuals were taken overseas and subjected to sexual abuse.

A survivor recounted being sexually assaulted by a recruiter following a job posting on WhatsApp.

When she informed the authorities about the crime, she was asked to provide DNA evidence that she lacked.

Victims experience discrimination, threats, and lack of support from institutions. Some are urged by their families to drop their reports. Others deal with indifferent law enforcement or are required to pay bribes for an investigation.

A survivor, Ivy*, was sexually assaulted following an online meeting with a man she had become acquainted with. When she reached out for assistance, she was asked to pay Sh8,000 for officers to locate the perpetrators.

Numerous victims are without legal assistance or financial reparation, and corruption hampers inquiry processes.

Kenya has passed various laws, such as the Sexual Offences Act (2006), the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act (2010), and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018), which was updated in 2024. However, implementation is still lacking, and the definitions related to digital abuse are no longer current.

The document advocates for unified regulations, improved digital forensic capabilities, and judicial procedures that are sensitive to trauma.

It calls on Kenya to approve the Malabo Convention regarding Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection in order to strengthen regional collaboration and responsibility.

Experts claim that Kenya needs to focus on public education initiatives, safeguarding victims, and international cooperation in order to tackle OSEA efficiently.

Technology must enhance, not pose a threat,The report ends with a warning, stating that without immediate changes, the online world will continue to be a perilous area for women and girls.

(The name Ivy has been altered to safeguard her identity.)