Latest news with #CommunicationsAuthorityofKenya
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Kenya records 201% surge in cybercrime as AI-powered threats escalate
Kenya is grappling with a dramatic surge in cybercrime, as the country recorded a staggering 201.7% rise in cybersecurity threats within the first quarter of 2025. Kenya recorded a 201.7% increase in cybersecurity threats during Q1 2025, reaching 2.5 billion incidents. The Communications Authority of Kenya issued 13.2 million advisories, up 14.2% from the previous quarter, to address these threats. Artificial intelligence is enabling more rapid and sophisticated cyber threats, as noted by the World Economic Forum. According to the latest sector statistics released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), cyber threats skyrocketed to 2.5 billion incidents, up from 840.9 million in the previous quarter. This alarming rise is one of the sharpest in recent years and highlights growing vulnerabilities across critical sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and government systems. Spike in advisories and vulnerabilities In response, the CA issued 13.2 million cybersecurity advisories, marking a 14.2% increase from 11.6 million advisories the previous quarter. The most significant growth was observed in system vulnerabilities, which surged by 228.3% to 2.47 billion threats, compared to 752.4 million previously. These vulnerabilities include unpatched software, weak passwords, outdated encryption methods, and insecure network configurations, common weaknesses that attackers exploit to gain access. Web application attacks, targeting vulnerabilities in websites and online platforms, also rose by 11.8%, reaching 5.08 million threats. These attacks often aim to steal data, disrupt services, or gain unauthorised access. Decline in other attack types Interestingly, not all threat categories saw an increase. The report notes a decline in several traditional cyberattack methods: DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks: down by 76% Mobile application attacks: down by 51% Malware: down by 28% Brute force attacks: down by 3% The rise in cyber threats is attributed in part to the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal networks. A study by the World Economic Forum (WEF) reveals that cyberattacks now take less than four days to execute, compared to about 60 days in 2019. According to the WEF, this speed is driven by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which are now being used by threat actors to write code and generate more sophisticated forms of malware and ransomware. 'Threat actors are already using AI-powered language models like ChatGPT to write code,' the report states. 'Generative AI is helping even less experienced hackers create new ransomware strains, significantly increasing attack volumes.' The WEF also warns that the widespread ownership of smartphones, laptops, and tablets is creating a vast attack surface for cybercriminals. 'We expect increased use of AI by malicious actors in the near future,' the report concludes, 'making it urgent to implement stronger, more adaptive cybersecurity measures.'
New Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Youth-led protests erupt again in Kenya over police brutality and poor governance
NAIROBI: Youth-led protests against police brutality and poor governance have erupted across Kenya again on Wednesday, with thousands making their way to the central business district in the capital, Nairobi. The protests, which coincided with the first anniversary of demonstrations opposing tax hikes that left 60 people dead and 20 others missing, followed last week's rallies that demanded answers for the unexplained death of a Kenyan blogger while in police custody. Frustration is growing, especially among Generation Z, over police violence, economic struggles, and government mismanagement. The Communications Authority of Kenya has directed local media to stop all live broadcasts of the protests halfway through the day as President William Ruto warned that violence wouldn't be tolerated. Many turned to social media to share updates and remember slain protesters. Others posted anti-government messages and memes. On the streets, some could be seen offering protesters water. Here's why unrest is gripping Kenya: Police brutality Calls for accountability have grown louder in Kenya after a street hawker was killed during last week's protests. A Kenyan court has given detectives 15 days to complete investigations into two police officers suspected of the shooting. This came as young people flooded social media platforms throughout the week with commemorations of protesters killed last year. At the time, Ruto apologized and vowed to end police brutality as the top police chief resigned. 'Not a single officer has been held to account,' said Hussein Khaled, a human rights activist, adding that people took to the streets 'to demand justice in terms of compensation ... arrest of those officers who were involved ... police reforms because too many Kenyans are losing their lives' to police brutality.
France 24
25-06-2025
- Politics
- France 24
At least eight people dead as anti-government protests grip Kenya
At least eight people died in nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said in a statement. Another 400 people were injured during the demonstrations, the national rights watchdog said, including protesters, police personnel and journalists. Some had gunshot wounds, it added. Youth-led protests against police brutality and poor governance have erupted across Kenya again, with thousands making their way to the central business district in the capital, Nairobi. The protests, which coincided with the first anniversary of demonstrations opposing tax hikes that left 60 people dead and 20 others missing, followed last week's rallies that demanded answers for the unexplained death of a Kenyan blogger while in police custody. Frustration is growing, especially among Generation Z, over police violence, economic struggles, and government mismanagement. The Communications Authority of Kenya has directed local media to stop all live broadcasts of the protests halfway through the day as President William Ruto warned that violence wouldn't be tolerated. Many turned to social media to share updates and remember slain protesters. Others posted anti-government messages and memes. On the streets, some could be seen offering protesters water. 'Too many Kenyans are losing their lives' Calls for accountability have grown louder in Kenya after a street hawker was killed during last week's protests. A Kenyan court has given detectives 15 days to complete investigations into two police officers suspected of the shooting. This came as young people flooded social media platforms throughout the week with commemorations of protesters killed last year. At the time, Ruto apologised and vowed to end police brutality as the top police chief resigned. 'Not a single officer has been held to account,' said Hussein Khaled, a human rights activist, adding that people took to the streets 'to demand justice in terms of compensation ... arrest of those officers who were involved ... police reforms because too many Kenyans are losing their lives' to police brutality. Last year's deadly protests strongly opposed a finance bill that raised taxes significantly to address debt, putting an undue burden on young, educated people struggling with unemployment and a rising cost of living. Ruto later scrapped the bill. Some tax proposals were reintroduced later, drawing widespread criticism and calls for Ruto's resignation, following the appointment of a new but widely criticised cabinet. A revamped healthcare levy also changed standard premiums to a progressive tax, based on income. Kenyan court declares Nairobi protest ban illegal 14:25 United Nations' data shows that 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30, with 67 percent of Kenya's young people unemployed. 'Both the health and the education sectors, which greatly affect the youth, are seemingly sinking due to misguided policies and failure to provide needed resources. At the same time, there appears to be unlimited funds for 'aristocratic' luxuries,' said Macharia Munene, professor of history and international relations at United States International University Africa in Nairobi, referring to some state people's spending that has been strongly condemned. Ruto has been accused of misappropriating taxpayer money on lavish trips, most notably the use of a private jet on his trip to the United States right before last year's protests. He apologised and dismissed ministers accused of incompetence, corruption and displays of opulence amid complaints about the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Kenya's opposition received its share of criticism, with many saying it avoided challenging the status quo after some of its members were appointed in Ruto's new cabinet 'Enough is enough ... We are here for change, it is time for us to get our nation (back),' said protestor Sevelina Mwihaki. 'The blood that we have shed is enough."
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kenya protest: 300+ injured as anger over police brutality, rising costs grows; media blackout ordered as Gen Z leads online resistance
People protest for the one-year anniversary of deadly anti-tax demonstrations in Nairobi, Kenya. (AP Photo) More than 300 people were injured, including at least 67 critically, as fresh youth-led protests erupted across Kenya's capital on Wednesday, emergency services confirmed. The demonstrations, driven by outrage over police brutality, economic hardship, and perceived government mismanagement, mark the most intense unrest since last year's deadly anti-tax protests. With traditional media coverage halted midway by government orders, thousands took to the streets, and to social media, demanding justice, accountability, and systemic change. Top developments: More than 300 people injured, 67 in critical condition Emergency services in Nairobi reported over 300 people wounded and 67 critically hurt in Wednesday's protests, marking a dramatic escalation of unrest that has gripped Kenya. Youth-led protests erupt in capital, other cities Thousands of young protesters, many from Generation Z, took to the streets of Nairobi and other cities demanding an end to police brutality, economic injustice, and poor governance. The protests come exactly a year after deadly anti-tax demonstrations in 2023 left 60 people dead and 20 missing. Kenyan authorities order media blackout The Communications Authority of Kenya directed all local media to halt live coverage of the protests midway through the day. The move came as President William Ruto warned that 'violence will not be tolerated,' prompting concerns over press freedom. Social media becomes main channel of resistance With TV coverage cut, Kenyans turned to platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok to share protest updates, remember victims of past police crackdowns, and call out government failings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Memes, solidarity posts, and livestreams flooded timelines throughout the day. Public outrage grows after hawker's killing Tensions spiked after a hawker was fatally shot during last week's protests. Two police officers are under investigation, with a court granting 15 days for a full probe. Activists say no officer has ever been held accountable for previous killings despite Ruto's promises of reform. Economic pressure fuels discontent Many protesters cited unemployment, high taxes, and unaffordable living costs as core grievances. Last year's controversial finance bill, though withdrawn, was partly reintroduced, angering many who see the government prioritizing elite luxuries over essential services. Anger over government extravagance, weak opposition President Ruto's use of a private jet for a US trip last year remains a flashpoint. Though he apologized and reshuffled his cabinet, critics say corruption and wasteful spending persist. The opposition is also under fire for remaining largely silent. Protesters demand change 'Enough is enough,' said Sevelina Mwihaki, one of the demonstrators. 'We are here for change. It is time for us to get our nation back. The blood we have shed is enough." The protests have become a flashpoint for youth-led political awakening in Kenya, with many calling this a turning point for the country's future.
25-06-2025
- Politics
Youth-led protests erupt again in Kenya over police brutality and poor governance
NAIROBI, Kenya -- Youth-led protests against police brutality and poor governance have erupted across Kenya again on Wednesday, with thousands making their way to the central business district in the capital, Nairobi. The protests, which coincided with the first anniversary of demonstrations opposing tax hikes that left 60 people dead and 20 others missing, followed last week's rallies that demanded answers for the unexplained death of a Kenyan blogger while in police custody. Frustration is growing, especially among Generation Z, over police violence, economic struggles, and government mismanagement. The Communications Authority of Kenya has directed local media to stop all live broadcasts of the protests halfway through the day as President William Ruto warned that violence wouldn't be tolerated. Many turned to social media to share updates and remember slain protesters. Others posted anti-government messages and memes. On the streets, some could be seen offering protesters water. Here's why unrest is gripping Kenya: Calls for accountability have grown louder in Kenya after a street hawker was killed during last week's protests. A Kenyan court has given detectives 15 days to complete investigations into two police officers suspected of the shooting. This came as young people flooded social media platforms throughout the week with commemorations of protesters killed last year. At the time, Ruto apologized and vowed to end police brutality as the top police chief resigned. 'Not a single officer has been held to account,' said Hussein Khaled, a human rights activist, adding that people took to the streets 'to demand justice in terms of compensation ... arrest of those officers who were involved ... police reforms because too many Kenyans are losing their lives' to police brutality. Last year's deadly protests strongly opposed a finance bill that raised taxes significantly to address debt, putting an undue burden on young, educated people struggling with unemployment and a rising cost of living. Ruto later scrapped the bill. Some tax proposals were reintroduced later, drawing widespread criticism and calls for Ruto's resignation, following the appointment of a new but widely criticized cabinet. A revamped healthcare levy also changed standard premiums to a progressive tax, based on income. United Nations' data shows that 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30, with 67% of Kenya's young people unemployed. 'Both the health and the education sectors, which greatly affect the youth, are seemingly sinking due to misguided policies and failure to provide needed resources. At the same time, there appears to be unlimited funds for 'aristocratic' luxuries,' said Macharia Munene, professor of History and International Relations at United States International University Africa in Nairobi, referring to some state people's spending that has been strongly condemned. Ruto has been accused of misappropriating taxpayer money on lavish trips, most notably the use of a private jet on his trip to the United States right before last year's protests. He apologized and dismissed ministers accused of incompetence, corruption and displays of opulence amid complaints about the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Kenya's opposition received its share of criticism, with many saying it avoided challenging the status quo after some of its members were appointed in Ruto's new cabinet 'Enough is enough ... We are here for change, it is time for us to get our nation (back),' said protestor Sevelina Mwihaki. 'The blood that we have shed is enough."
