Bonyo LawTech Attorneys

Technology law questions

Technology Law Questions. Answered by Kenya's Digital Law Specialists.

The most important questions we hear from technology founders, in-house counsel and international companies entering the Kenyan and African digital markets — answered clearly, from a specialist perspective.

Q01

What is technology law and why does my Kenyan business need a specialist tech lawyer?

Technology law covers the legal frameworks governing digital businesses — including data protection, cybersecurity, intellectual property, technology contracts, fintech regulation, and artificial intelligence. Kenyan technology businesses face unique legal risks that general-practice lawyers consistently overlook: a misaligned IP clause in a software development contract, a non-compliant data collection practice, or an unlicensed fintech product can each cost a company its funding, its customers, or its operating permission. A specialist technology lawyer is not a luxury — it is the most cost-effective legal investment a digital business can make.

Q02

Does the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019 apply to my startup?

If your startup collects, processes, or stores any personal data of Kenyan residents — including names, email addresses, phone numbers, payment information, or location data — the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019 applies to you. This includes mobile apps, SaaS platforms, e-commerce websites, fintech products, and any digital service with Kenyan users. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to KES 5 million, criminal prosecution, and enforcement action from the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Bonyo Law offers data protection compliance audits specifically designed for startups and early-stage companies.

Q03

Does GDPR apply to my company in Kenya?

Yes — if your company in Kenya processes the personal data of individuals located in the European Union, GDPR applies to you, regardless of where your company is based. This is known as GDPR's extraterritorial reach under Article 3. Kenyan companies offering goods or services to EU residents, or monitoring the behaviour of EU-based individuals, must comply with GDPR in full. The penalties for non-compliance are among the largest in the world — up to EUR 20 million or 4% of global annual turnover. Bonyo Law advises Kenyan and African businesses on GDPR compliance across all sectors.

Q04

What is the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018 and how does it affect my business?

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018 is Kenya's primary cybercrime legislation. It criminalises unauthorised access to computer systems, data interception, cyber harassment, publication of false information, and a range of other digital offences. For businesses, the Act creates obligations around cybersecurity governance, incident reporting, and the protection of customer data systems. Technology companies, financial institutions, and any organisation operating digital platforms must understand their obligations under this Act. Bonyo Law advises on both compliance and defence in the context of cybercrime allegations and investigations.

Q05

How is AI regulated in Kenya and Africa in 2025?

Kenya does not yet have standalone AI legislation as of early 2026 — but the Kenya National AI Strategy 2025-2030 signals a clear regulatory direction, and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner's guidance increasingly addresses automated decision-making under the Kenya Data Protection Act. At the continental level, the African Union has advanced its AI Continental Strategy, and the EU AI Act has extraterritorial implications for AI systems deployed in or affecting EU persons. Bonyo Law monitors all developments in African AI regulation and provides proactive legal advice to technology companies deploying AI systems across the continent.

Q06

My company experienced a data breach. What must I do legally in Kenya?

Under the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019, a data controller must notify the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware of a data breach that is likely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of data subjects. In practice, this requires immediate legal triage to assess notification obligations, preserve evidence, manage regulatory communications, and protect the organisation from downstream liability. Bonyo Law provides rapid-response data breach legal support — available immediately. Contact us the moment you become aware of a breach. Every hour of delay increases your legal exposure.

Q07

Can Bonyo Law help international technology companies entering the Kenyan or African market?

Yes. Bonyo Law regularly advises international technology companies — from the US, UK, Europe, and beyond — on market entry into Kenya and across Africa. Our services for international clients include: Kenyan data protection registration, local entity structuring, technology licence compliance, fintech regulatory mapping, employment law for local hires, and commercial contract localisation. Our founder's international profile and cross-border digital law expertise make Bonyo Law the natural first call for any global technology company entering the African market.

Q08

How do I engage Bonyo Law for technology law advice?

Engaging Bonyo Law is immediate and risk-free. Click the Book a Consultation button on any page, complete a brief intake form, and a member of our technology law team will contact you within two business hours. Your first consultation is complimentary. Whether you need a data protection compliance audit, a technology contract reviewed, an AI governance framework designed, or urgent cybersecurity legal support — the conversation begins here. There is no obligation to proceed.

Still unsure how technology law applies to your product?

A short conversation with a specialist technology lawyer will clarify your position and your options — before regulators, investors, or customers ask the hard questions.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? SPEAK TO A TECH LAW SPECIALIST NOW