National Assembly Endorses New Cybercrime Regulations

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management) Regulations of 2024 have been approved by the National Assembly. This decision is a milestone, in enhancing cybersecurity within industries, like banking, telecommunications and energy throughout Kenya.

Quick Summary:

  • Regulations Approved: The National Assembly has approved new regulations that aim to enhance cybersecurity within critical sectors.
  • Public Participation: A public participation campaign launched in September 2023 contributed to the development of the regulations.
  • NC4 Coordination: The National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) leads the effort in implementing and monitoring cybersecurity measures in Kenya.

Strengthening Cybersecurity

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has declared that the published regulations, which were made official on February 9 align, with the requirements of the Statutory Instruments Act of 2023 and Section 70 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018.

The regulations establish a comprehensive framework for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats within Kenya’s digital landscape putting more emphasis on the protection of Critical Information Infrastructure.

NC4’s Role and Coordination

The National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) operating under the State Department of Internal Security and National Administration led a public engagement initiative in September 2023 to collect input, on the proposed rules.

NC4 is responsible for overseeing all cybersecurity issues in Kenya as outlined in the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018 (CMCA). Its primary objective is to ensure efficient identification, prevention, deterrence, response, investigation and prosecution of computer and cyber related crimes.

Under the guidance of the Principal Secretary of Internal Security and National Administration NC4 functions with a Secretariat that puts its decisions and plans into action. By adopting an approach NC4 aims to uphold a reliable online environment while leveraging the advantages of the digital economy, for Kenyan citizens.

Potential Impact

The approval of the cybercrime rules by the National Assembly marks an achievement in Kenya’s continuous drive to strengthen cybersecurity in vital areas of the economy. By giving importance to safeguarding Critical Information Infrastructure and organizing cybersecurity efforts via NC4 the nation is establishing a groundwork for a more protected landscape. These regulations also facilitate partnerships among the government-private sector and various parties nurturing a digital environment that can confront new cyber risks as well as build confidence, in Kenyas digital economy.

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