Kisii Governor James Ongwae has called for strict enforcement of regulations to curb rising cyber-crime in the Country.
Governor Ongwae said this during the County ICT consumer forum, kikao kikuu, organised by the Communication Authority of Kenya and the County Government at the Gusii Stadium.
He said the internet was a powerful vehicle for socio-economic development but it had attendant negative effects especially on children and the youth who are vulnerable groups.
“Cyber-crime is a reality every society with a robust ICT infrastructure faces and Kisii County is not an exception. Nowadays, cyber criminals are using internet and other ICT platforms to spread libellous messages and hate mongering for personal or political gain. We could like to see the Communication Authority given an enhanced regulatory role to curb this trend,” said Ongwae.
He welcomed the creation of the Kenya Computer Incident Response Team Coordination Centre (KE-CIRT/CC) as an important first step for national level incident response.
“I want to warn those perpetrating cyber-crime for political gain that mwananchi is not bothered with what you post on social media platforms. All they care about is service delivery,” added Ongwae.
CA chairman Ngene Kariuki announced that Kisii County shall benefit from the Education Broadband Connectivity Project. Under this project, 31learning institutions in Kisii County will receive internet connectivity for a period of five years.
“I am happy to report that Kisii County shall benefit from the Education Broadband Connectivity Project, which is an initiative of the Communications Authority of Kenya to expand broadband coverage in the country with funding from the Universal Service Fund,” said Kariuki.
Governor Ongwae asked parents, guardians, government and other agencies to safeguard children from cyber crime.
“Today, children frequently use the Internet to learn, communicate and interact socially with friends and peers, innovate, create and share content and; be entertained. Children are our future. Therefore, we have a responsibility to safeguard that future,” he added.
