Technology Development and Cybercrime in Juja Sub-County

• Ndirangu Ngunjiri

  University of Nairobi

  Author

Before technological advancements, the world primarily dealt with physical threats. However, with the rise of technology, cybercrime has emerged, becoming accessible to anyone possessing the required skills. Cybercrimes, such as stalking, hacking, phishing, online fraud, identity theft, and virus dissemination, have increased, employing increasingly sophisticated methods daily. These offenses inflict damage ranging from personal identity theft to financial losses, particularly affecting developing countries transitioning to cashless economies. This article explores the impact of technological growth on cybercrime within the Juja sub-county, illustrating how crime evolves alongside technology. An extensive review of existing literature highlights various types of cybercrimes and their consequences, emphasizing the challenges they pose to law enforcement globally. While the Internet offers immense development opportunities, it also serves as a breeding ground for criminal activities. This paradox underscores the need for enhanced regulation and enforcement, particularly in developing nations lacking adequate technology and infrastructure. The expansion of technology has made communication borderless and transnational, complicating cybercrime investigations that often require cooperation across multiple jurisdictions. The paper advocates for a comprehensive approach to combat cybercrime, including establishing robust legal frameworks, strengthening enforcement agencies with advanced technology, and empowering youth with entrepreneurial skills to deter involvement in cybercriminal activities. It also calls for universal criminalization of cyber offenses under international laws and treaties. To reduce the adverse effects of technology on development, the paper recommends creating products that are resilient to cybercrime and enhancing the processes for crime detection and investigation. Tracing the historical evolution of technology underscores both its positive innovations and negative consequences, urging policymakers, businesses, and individuals to recognize cybercrime as a global issue requiring collective action.

1. Ndirangu Ngunjiri, University of Nairobi

   FA Ndirangu Ngunjiri is a Doctoral (Finance & Accounting) fellow at the University of Nairobi with a research interest in inequality & poverty, cybersecurity, climate change, innovations, international trade, and productivity. He is a full member of the Institute of Directors, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Institute of Certified Financial Analysts.

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