Government to strengthen cybersecurity measures and combat cybercrime

Nairobi,

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

KNA by Hamdi M. Buthul

The government is set to implement stringent regulations aimed at bolstering cybersecurity measures across the nation in a bid to enforce the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act (CMCA) of 2018.

Speaking during a public participation forum held in Nairobi on Tuesday, the Chairman of the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4) Taskforce Dr. Mark Matunga said the primary objective of the initiative was to review draft regulations designed to operationalize the CMCA of 2018.

He noted that despite the CMCA's enactment in 2018, full implementation has been hindered by existing gaps.

Matunga reassured concerned citizens about cybercrimes and privacy breaches, emphasizing the importance of regulations to address these issues.

He acknowledged that many individuals were worried about cyberbullying, personal security, and cyberattacks.

The Head of Cybersecurity, Policy, and Strategy at the NC4 David Njoga said that the Act has remained underutilized due to a lack of supporting regulations.

Njoga, at the same time emphasized that cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern affecting not only the national economy but also various intersecting sectors.

Addressing the gathering, Njoga disclosed that the previously existing gaps hindering the operationalization of the law are currently being rectified.

He further explained that the Act encompasses a range of offenses and corresponding penalties, which, when managed within a robust cybercrime framework, were anticipated to lead to a reduction in such cases.

Njoga emphasized that once the regulations are enacted, incidents including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and interference with critical information infrastructure would be dealt with decisively.

He reiterated the government's commitment to developing comprehensive and proactive cyber capabilities to safeguard its citizens against cybercrime and computer misuse threats.

Njoga highlighted that in addition to fortifying ICT infrastructure and services, the government plans to intensify international collaboration efforts.

Courtesy; KNA