Kenya moves to join global cybercrime treaty as Parliament seeks public views

Nairobi, Kenya - In a bid to bolster efforts to combat cybercrime, Kenya is moving closer to joining the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The National Assembly has opened a public consultation period, inviting submissions from stakeholders regarding the country's proposed accession to the treaty. The proposed accession aims to enhance Kenya's capacity to investigate cyber offenses, secure electronic evidence, and cooperate with other nations in addressing digital crimes.

The Budapest Convention, an international agreement on internet and computer crime, establishes a framework for criminalizing computer-related offenses, securing electronic evidence, and promoting international cooperation in cybercrime investigations. The treaty outlines various offenses, including illegal access, data interference, computer-related fraud, and child sexual abuse material.

It also provides procedural powers for investigating cybercrime and ensuring the secure handling of electronic evidence. The National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee announced that submissions are open until September 11th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. This initiative aligns with Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution, which mandates Parliament to engage the public in its legislative and other business, and adheres to the Treaty Making and Ratification Act.