Cybercrime, Cyber Security and the Economy

• Everlyn K. Maika

  Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

  Author

 In the recent past, Kenya has experienced exponential growth in its cyberspace. It is estimated that about 42% of the Kenyan population has access to the internet as of January 2022. Further, many institutions within the public and private sectors are now providing their services in the digital space through online platforms. This has created great opportunities for commerce as well as networking for individuals across the various social platforms. Thus, the Kenyan economy is now heavily reliant on technology. The rapid advancement within cyberspace and use of technology has exacerbated vulnerabilities, threats, and attacks in the cyberspace. This paper takes a two-pronged approach to cybersecurity through legal and economic lenses by examining the extent of cybercrime and threats that have become a great challenge to the security of cyberspace as well as its consequences. It also analyses the legal and policy framework for cybersecurity in the country. This research was conducted through a review of literature and data on the subject. The findings herein indicate that Kenya is experiencing high numbers of cybercrime, attacks, and threats targeting institutions as well as individuals, which has resulted in significant losses to the economy, institutions, and individuals. The paper recommends adoption of cybersecurity measures to effectively mitigate the effects of these cyber threats and attacks.

1. Everlyn K. Maika, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

   The author is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over 10 years’ experience in legal practice within the private and public sectors. She holds a Master of Laws (LLM) from Strathmore University. Currently working as a Senior Principal Prosecution Counsel at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution Kenya, where she undertakes various prosecutorial functions that include legal research, report writing, policy and guidelines formulation, and coordination, as well as acting as the lead 
   for cybercrime matters within the office. Additionally, she is a member of the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee as a representative of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Where they have formulated the National Cyber Security Strategy 2022-2027 and the gazettement of critical information infrastructure.

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