The Computer and Cybercrime Bill 2016 has finally been approved. In brief, the bill is set to monitor, control and get rid of cyber crimes, which have been on the rise, with up to 3000 monthly incidences according to the Information Technology, Security, and Assurance (ISACA). The bill received contributions from ICT stakeholders as well as the public.
Chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta on April 6th, 2017, the Cabinet approved the details that criminalize cyber offenses such as computer fraud, cyber-stalking, child pornography and unauthorized access to computerized systems. Based on the mentioned vices, the government and relevant enforcers aim to protect citizens from instances of online crime that range from cyber bullying, fraud, among other social ills.
The Computer and Cyber-crime Law (cabinet approval makes the bill a law) is set to protect Kenyans from fraud that is rampant among mobile money transactions such as M-Pesa, Airtel Money, to mention a few. Inclusive in the law protection of the banking services against intruders who steal banking and client information.
Moreover, the law will bump legislation and investigation of cyber crimes with technological and law tools for tangible evidence for prosecution. Culprits who will knowingly access computer systems without authorization will face stringent penalties, including a fine of up to KES 5 million or imprisonment of up to 3 years or both depending on the magnitude of the crime. Upon establishing whether a culprit intended to perform criminal activities by infiltrating security systems, the penalty shoots up to a fine of KES 10 million or a 10-year jail time, or both.
The penalties for child pornography and performing cyber crimes that threaten cyber security will attract fines of up to KES 20 million/<25-years imprisonment and KES 25 million/<10-year imprisonment respectively.
You can check more details of the bill here.
