The fight against cybercrime in Kenya is being taken up at government level following the country’s introduction of a policy and legal framework dubbed the ‘cyber security strategy’.

The strategy acknowledges that with the increase in technology adoption in Kenya, the threats are becoming more frequent and dangerous.

According to statistics from the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) there are 13.1 million internet subscribers in the country.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s information, communications and technology (ICT) cabinet secretary, Dr. Fred Matiangi, said last year that cybercrime could have cost Kenya an estimated Khs 2 billion (about $23 million) in 2013.

Subsequently, in March this year, the ministry asked all stakeholders to give their ideas and course of action to be included in the cybersecurity strategy.

“Risks and challenges can manifest from various sources—even from those areas where technology is enabling significant growth and prosperity. For example—by providing people with the ability to access and exchange information, they become dependent on that information to socialised with family and friends, conduct business, and feel connected in our modern world,” the strategy report has noted.

“The National Cyber Security Master Plan addresses emerging cyber risks and the challenges that the ICT may face in the future.”

The strategy adopts four key pillars:

• Enhance the nation’s cyber security posture in a manner that facilitates the country’s growth, safety, and prosperity.
• Build national capability by raising cyber security awareness and developing Kenya’s workforce to address cybersecurity needs.
• Foster information sharing and collaboration among relevant stakeholders to facilitate an information sharing environment focused on achieving the strategy’s goals and objectives.
• Provide national leadership by defining the national cybersecurity vision, goals, and objectives and coordinating cybersecurity initiatives at the national level.

“Both the strategy and master plan are critical to securing the online environment for citizens, industry, and foreign partners; increasing the Kenyan people’s confidence in online transactions, data security, fraud protection, and privacy; encouraging greater foreign investment and enhancing trade opportunities; and enabling Kenya’s broader economic and societal goals,” the report concluded.