Is sharing someone's intimate photos without consent a crime?
Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Yes. Sharing, posting or spreading another person's intimate or obscene image is an offence punishable by a fine of up to KSh 200,000, up to 2 years in jail, or both, and the court can also order the offender to pay you compensation.
- Where
- Any police station or DCI office; the criminal court handles the case and any compensation order
Steps
- Report it at any police station or DCI office (regional, county or sub-county).
- The DCI investigates cyber-enabled crimes, including distribution of obscene materials.
- If the offender is convicted, the court can order them to pay you compensation for your loss.
Watch out
- If the person in the image is a child, the child pornography offence applies, with fines up to KSh 20 million or up to 25 years in jail.
- A compensation order does not stop you from suing separately for any further damages.
- Where the content is sexual content of a child, the court can also order the convicted person to remove it, or to close or deactivate the website, account system or device used.
Who this covers
- Any person whose intimate or obscene image is shared by someone else, online or by any other means of sending data.
Official sources (4)
- Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, No. 5 of 2018 (Cap. 79C) new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Investigative Services dci.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Public Complaints dci.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025 (No. 17 of 2025), Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 170 (Acts No. 17) parliament.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026