Kabogo: Ratification of Budapest Convention will boost fight against cybercrime
By Kiprono Keileb, October 8, 2025Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to joining the global fight against cybercrime through the ratification of the Budapest Convention, a key international treaty on tackling online crimes.
Kabogo made the statement after holding what he described as a “constructive meeting” with officials from the Council of Europe, among them Virgil Spiridon, Javier Gomez, and Catalina Stroe, alongside the Director of the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4), Col. (Dr.) James Kimuyu.
In his post on X posted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Kabogo said the meeting focused on reviewing the progress of Kenya’s engagement with the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the country’s preparations for the upcoming Third African Forum on Cybercrime.
“We reviewed progress on Kenya’s engagement with the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and preparations for the upcoming Third African Forum on Cybercrime,” he said.
Kabogo explained that ratifying the Convention will mark a major step in boosting Kenya’s global partnerships in the fight against digital crimes.
“I reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the ratification process of the Budapest Convention, which will enhance our cooperation with global partners in tackling cybercrime, building capacity, and strengthening mutual legal assistance frameworks,” he said.
He further noted that discussions also touched on Kenya’s participation in the Third African Forum on Cybercrime, which is scheduled for November 25–27, 2027. The forum will bring together ministers and experts from across the continent and beyond to share strategies and strengthen regional coordination against online threats.
“We also discussed Kenya’s participation in the Third African Forum on Cybercrime, scheduled for 25th–27th November 2027, and our role in supporting its success, including hosting distinguished Ministers and global experts in the field,” Kabogo added.
Kabogo emphasised that Kenya must continue building an inclusive and trusted digital ecosystem, one that protects citizens, businesses, and government institutions from the growing wave of cyberattacks. “The Ministry remains steadfast in fostering a secure, inclusive, and trusted digital ecosystem for all,” he concluded.