NIS seeks powers to spy on communications made in Kenya

Powers to NIS to tap into your private communication are contained in the Statute Law Miscellaneous (Amendment) Bill 2014.

NAIROBI, KENYA: Government spies could soon have unfettered access to your cellphone messages and emails if a Bill proposing the removal of a requirement they first get court warrants before trawling through your private messages sails through National Assembly.

The new powers NIS is pursuing, which are likely to raise a public outcry given National Intelligence Service will be seen to be violating the private space of Kenyans, are contained in the Statute Law Miscellaneous (Amendment) Bill (2014). It proposes the deletion of section 36 (2) of the current act, on limitation to right to privacy as enshrined in Article 31 of the Constitution, that provides for the court's participation.