Kenya has raised fresh concerns over the rapid rise in cyber-enabled crimes across Africa, warning that the continent is losing more than USD 4 billion every year to increasingly sophisticated cybercriminal networks.
The alarm was sounded by Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, who presided over the official opening of the Third African Forum on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence in Nairobi on Monday.
Addressing hundreds of cybercrime experts, investigators, prosecutors and digital policy actors from 35 countries, PS Omollo said Kenya’s position as one of the ten fastest-growing digital economies globally has exposed government platforms and private systems to new and more complex cyber threats.
He noted that while digital transformation has expanded economic opportunities, it has also created vulnerabilities that criminals are exploiting at unprecedented levels.
“Africa continues to lose billions of dollars annually to cybercrime. Kenya is no exception,” Dr. Omollo stated, calling for stronger cross-border collaboration to effectively respond to crimes that transcend borders.
The PS emphasized the urgency of coordinated international action, including improved mutual legal assistance, better sharing of electronic evidence, and enhanced investigative and prosecutorial capacity among African states. He said cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging anonymity, encrypted platforms and global digital networks, making it essential for countries to harmonize laws and strengthen partnerships.
Dr. Omollo also outlined key reforms undertaken by the Government of Kenya to fortify its cyber resilience. These include amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and the enactment of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025, aimed at regulating digital assets and closing gaps exploited by criminals. Kenya has also deepened its alignment with the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, reinforcing its commitment to international best practices.
A significant portion of Dr. Omollo’s address focused on the role of youth in shaping Africa’s digital safety. He warned that young people face rising risks from identity theft, misinformation, fraud and data exploitation, all worsened by growing anonymity online.
“Africa’s youth are at the centre of our digital future, yet they are among the most vulnerable. Safeguarding them must be a priority,” he noted.
The three-day forum is expected to generate actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening Africa’s collective response to cyber threats while fostering safer digital environments for citizens across the continent.
