Effect of Cybercrime Prevention Unit in Combating Financial Cybercrime in Kenya
Abstract
Worldwide internet connectivity in the 21stcentury has resulted to increase in cyber-based crimes especially in developing countries, targeting companies and other entities that are yet to develop top-notch security protocols to mitigate against internet-based crimes. In Kenya, financial cybercrime continues to be reported despite significant efforts by the government and allied state institutions to combat it. Therefore, the key objective of this study was to examine the effect of cybercrime prevention unit in combating financial cybercrime in Kenya guided by Space Transition Theory and Rational Choice Theory. The study adopted quantitative cross-sectional design under which descriptive research approach was employed to explain the study phenomenon systematically and in a clearer manner. The target population under the current study was cybercrime prevention unit detectives and Communication Authority senior forensic experts working at Kenya National Cybersecurity Center Plaza. Both qualitative and quantitative data was sought. Quantitative data obtained was coded into a computer software and analysed descriptively using SPSS. The qualitative data obtained was analysed thematically. According to the study findings, it was established that effective ICT skills are very essential in combating financial cybercrime hence the need to enhance cybercrime prevention unit detectives ICT skills through regular trainings. In addition, security detectives tasked with combating cybercrime must possess effective ICT skills to enable them track and locate electronic evidence linked to cybercrime activities. The study also established that intelligence-led policing should be established to allow policing agencies better understand the nature of financial cybercrime and institute effective legal measures; enough/sufficient evidence need to be obtained in order for online financial cybercriminals to be prosecuted; cyber-security detectives should also be extensively trained in locating electronic evidence. Further, the study established that employing effective investigative and detection strategies to track financial cyber criminals is vital for cybersecurity investigators. This will ensure cybercrime prevention unit detectives have complete picture of cyber-criminals as well as their motivations to engage in the crime. The study concluded that effective ICT skills is a crucial attribute among financial cybercrime prevention unit detectives in their quest to mitigate against financial cybercrime in the country. The study also established that proper legal framework has been established to deal with the ever-increasing cases of financial cybercrime across the country. This has been very crucial especially when detectives are involved in cross-border investigations which usually present insurmountable legal challenges to the enforcement of financial cybercrime laws globally due to lack of strict/legal enforcement mechanisms. In a nutshell, the study recommended that the government through the DCI should ensure that cybercrime prevention detectives especially those working closely with the CA are well funded and regularly trained to enhance their ICT skills so as to keep pace with cybercriminals in the ever-evolving technological environment. In addition, enhanced ICT capabilities among cybercrime prevention unit detectives will ensure effectiveness and efficiency in the data gathering and analysis process as well as system vulnerability assessment.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Subject
Cybercrime Prevention UnitRights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
- Faculty of Arts [979]
The following license files are associated with this item: