CS William Kabogo reiterates role of legal frameworks in combating cybercrime in Africa

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, has reiterated that harmonised and progressive legal and regulatory frameworks will play a pivotal role in enhancing cross-border cooperation in tackling cybercrime across Africa.

He made the remarks during the official closing ceremony of the Third African Forum on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence held in Nairobi. The three-day forum, jointly organised by the European Union, the Council of Europe, and hosted by the Government of Kenya, focused on identifying emerging cybercrime threats and exploring viable ways to strengthen international cooperation in cybersecurity through knowledge exchange.

Speaking at the event, CS Kabogo said hosting the forum is an honour for Kenya, positioning the country at the forefront of fostering regional solidarity and driving progress on the continent’s digital transformation agenda. The forum, themed "Strengthening Africa's Response to Cybercrime," provided a platform to discuss strategies for mitigating transnational cyber threats, embedding cyber-safety awareness, and enhancing digital skills across the region.

CS Kabogo reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing Africa’s cybersecurity agenda and deepening partnerships with member states and institutions to secure the shared digital future. He emphasised the importance of aligning national legislation with international standards, including the AU Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.

The forum brought together senior officials, including the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of The Gambia, Hon. Lamin Jabbi, Principal Secretary for Kenya’s State Department for Internal Security, Dr. Raymond Omollo, and other regional and international delegates, to strengthen collaborative efforts against cybercrime.