Kenya is losing an estimated Ksh. 4 billion annually to cybercrime, a growing threat that demands a unified and strategic response, according to Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo. His remarks follow a recent cyberattack that briefly disrupted access to critical government services, underlining the scale and urgency of the challenge.
Speaking at the Third African Forum on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence co-hosted by the European Union and Kenya’s Ministry of Interior Dr. Omollo noted that last week’s attack caused widespread denial-of-service incidents across several ministries. He also referenced a similar attack two years ago that crippled the eCitizen platform for nearly two full days.
“We are constantly looking at ways to minimize these threats because, apart from denying citizen services, there is also fraud and financial loss,” he said.
The forum brought together participants from more than 35 countries, including law enforcement agencies, government officials, private sector experts, academics, and civil society organizations. The gathering served as a platform to exchange knowledge, review technological advancements, and refine collaborative strategies for combating cybercrime.
Dr. Omollo reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to aligning with global standards by advancing accession to the African Union’s Malabo Convention and the Council of Europe’s Budapest Convention. He noted that while digital innovation has improved access to public services, it has also created new opportunities for criminal activity making cross-border cooperation essential.
A key focus of the forum was capacity building. Judges, magistrates, prosecutors, and investigators are undergoing specialized training on cybercrime legislation and handling electronic evidence to ensure effective investigation and prosecution.
The Council of Europe, which has delivered more than 2,500 global capacity-building initiatives over the past 14 years, reiterated its support for African nations seeking to strengthen their legal frameworks and enhance security capabilities.
Kenya’s growing leadership in cybersecurity made it a natural host for the forum, which provided an avenue for African countries to share challenges, coordinate strategies, and advance the safe and responsible use of technology across the continent.
