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{
    "id": 1163128,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1163128/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 142,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Halake",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13184,
        "legal_name": "Abshiro Soka Halake",
        "slug": "abshiro-soka-halake"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.47(1), to make a Statement on an issue of general topical concern namely; Cyber Crime and Data Insecurity in our country at this time of elections. There is a sharp rise in cases of cyber attacks in the country. This is a phenomenon that is increasingly becoming a major threat to businesses, organisations, individuals and Government institutions. In June last year, many Kenyans were shocked to learn that they had been listed as members of political parties without their consent. This is really disturbing, given the fact that we are on the eve of the General Elections of 2022. How the political parties gained access to people’s details is a mystery. It also raises great concerns that the data could be used for malicious and ulterior purposes as well. This raises many questions concerning the integrity of databases that we hold in different places. This includes even the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, while making Kenyans anxious, regarding the upcoming elections, following this unlawful registration in different political parties. This is not the first time that Kenyans are complaining about their data being accessed unlawfully. In 2017, just five months to elections, Kenyans complained about what they referred to as fraudulent acquisition of information for registration purposes. We are seeing a repeat of the same breach of data. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are increasing prevalent in electoral management and democratic processes. Cyber security is currently one of the greatest electoral challenges being faced globally. This is especially in a country where the institutions looking at this are quite in their infancy. This House needs to take charge and ensure cyber security. Madam Temporary Speaker, currently, a broad range of actors, including electoral management bodies, cyber security expert bodies and security agencies should be aware of the latest cyber threats and how best to protect citizens. Inter-agency collaboration is essential for defending elections against digital threats. Therefore, there is need to invest in protecting elections from cyber threats, through an inter-agency collaborative effort. Digital access also exposes our children to a host of risks. This goes beyond just elections. We are not saying this because we are politicians and we need to protect ourselves but this affects our children as well. They are exposed to harmful content, sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as cyber bullying and misuse of private"
}