The Computer Society of Kenya

Since 1986

cyber-crimeDAILY NATION By Nation Reporter

Thursday June 26,2014

President Uhuru Kenyatta has vowed to use the latest information and communication technology (ICT) in combating rising crime in Kenya.

He said the government has established Technology-Enabled Transformation of the Public Sector, which will help in the realisation of a digital registry eco-system, better intelligence for national security and a more service-oriented culture in government.

"The establishment of a national cybersecurity framework for Kenya is another welcome development, not only because it complements existing initiatives, but also because it will both enhance ICT growth and protect critical information infrastructure, " the President said during the launch of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) in Nairobi on Tuesday.

BIOMETRIC DETAILS

The move comes after the government announced plans to register all Kenyans afresh using an electronic system that will capture all the biometric details of the registered persons in order to address security challenges.

A technical team from the ministries of interior affairs and information, communication technology is working on a framework for rolling out the fresh registration, which is expected to take six months.

The database would contain biometric details of all persons, land, establishments and assets and this would be used to identify persons holding forged or fake identification documents.

The East African nation has been at a verge of terrorism threats by Islamists extremists allied to Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaida militia after Kenya forces took control of the insurgents' stronghold in Somalia.

THREAT REMAINS

The police have also admitted that despite a boost in security, the threat remained, urging shopping malls to remain vigilant and to "do more" to prevent attacks.

President Kenyatta said his government will be working round the clock through various agencies to identify mechanisms that will strengthen national security and curb crime.

With the newly launched Public Key Infrastructure and cybersecurity coordination centres fully operational, he expressed optimism that cybercrime will be contained.

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