Kenya wages war on cybercrime

By Frankline Sunday

Owners of cyber cafés may soon have to install CCTV cameras in their premises as part of measures to curb cybercrime and hate speech on social media.

This was one of the recommendations put forward at the national cybersecurity forum held yesterday that brought together Government and private sector stakeholders in information and communication technology (ICT).

“With internet penetration now hitting 16.2 million, applications, such as e-government and e-commerce have become enablers of Kenya’s development,” said Mr Francis Wangusi, the Communications Commission of Kenya’s director-general.

He, however, stated that advancements in Kenya’s ICT sector have made the country a target for cyber criminals looking to compromise online systems.

“The same broadened communication superhighway that Kenyans are enjoying in business and social sphere is also providing cyber criminals with a versatile platform from where to conduct their illicit business with enhanced speeds.”

Biggest victims

Commercial banks in the country have been recognised as some of the biggest victims of cybercrime, with billions of shillings having been lost through ATM phishing, virtual identity fraud and hacking.

However, banks have been blamed for making it difficult for investigators to prosecute cyber criminals by refusing to reveal information.

But the Kenya Bankers Association insisted that commercial banks are doing their part in mitigating cybercrime and that some of the measures being put in place will take some time to yield fruit.

“Last year we launched the Kaa Chonjo campaign which is meant to sensitise bank customers on the various ways to safeguard their money against ATM fraud,” said Ms Nuru Mugambi, a communications officer at KBA.

Social media has also provided a new platform for cybercrime. Following the March 4 elections, Kenyans online were treated to horrific spectacles of hate speech and tribal rhetoric.

Despite aggressive public service campaigns and threats from CCK  and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, most perpetrators are yet to be brought to book.  

“Unfortunately, the police have become the dumping ground for cases of hate speech on social media and the mountain of cases is becoming overwhelming,” Jackson Cheboi, an officer with the Criminal Investigation Department’s cybercrime department.

Another challenge recognised as a stumbling block  is that few officials in the judicial system have the appropriate technical training to prosecute and try offenders of cybercrime.