PM Party Leader Amisi Questions KSh4.7m Government Domain Security Bill
NAIROBI, Kenya, September 1, 2026 — PM Party leader Caleb Amisi has questioned the government’s decision to charge public institutions about KSh4.7 million each for domain and email security services, demanding transparency over how the figure was determined.
Amisi said the charges could amount to about KSh1.8 billion across the targeted public institutions at a time when many government agencies and public universities are facing serious financial challenges.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, Amisi said his concerns were not about the need to strengthen cybersecurity but about the cost of implementing the government’s Whole-of-Government Domain and Email Security initiative.
“The fundamental question is therefore: What exactly are public institutions paying for, and how was the KSh4.7 million figure arrived at?” he asked.
The initiative was introduced through a circular issued by Head of Public Service on January 13, 2025, directing Ministries, Departments, Agencies and State Corporations to adopt approved domain and email protection measures.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) was designated to coordinate and oversee the programme. Further reminders were issued in November 2025, January 2026 and July 2026, with institutions now required to make payments to the authority.
Amisi argued that the charges require greater scrutiny, noting that ordinary .KE domains can cost between KSh1,350 and KSh1,500 depending on the provider and package.
He acknowledged that comprehensive cybersecurity systems can involve more expensive services, including firewalls, secure email and web hosting, data encryption and protection against Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks.
However, he said public institutions should be given a clear breakdown of the services covered by the KSh4.7 million charge and their actual market value.
Amisi also questioned whether alternative providers were considered, who set the price and whether the procurement process complied with public procurement laws.
He further claimed that the Communications Authority retains only 15 per cent of the fees, with the remainder allegedly transferred to a private entity.
The PM Party leader called for clarification on how the private entity was selected and whether it was awarded the contract through a competitive bidding process.
He said the charges were particularly concerning for public universities, which are already struggling to meet their financial obligations, including paying staff, settling suppliers and maintaining facilities.
“Is this really a priority at this particular moment?” Amisi asked, arguing that public institutions should not be subjected to additional financial pressure without a clear demonstration of value for money.
He also raised concerns over reports that some institutional heads had received show-cause letters from the Head of Public Service while at the same time being issued invoices by the Communications Authority.
Amisi called on the Head of Public Service, the Communications Authority, relevant government agencies and Parliament to provide a comprehensive explanation of the charges.
He stressed that securing government websites, email systems and digital infrastructure was necessary as cyber threats continue to grow.
However, he said cybersecurity should not be used to justify unexplained expenditure.
“This is ultimately not just about domain names, websites or email addresses. It is about accountability. It is about value for money,” Amisi said.
He urged the government to ensure that every shilling spent by public institutions is properly accounted for, particularly as Kenyans and government agencies face growing economic pressures.
