Emerging Cyber Security Threats: A Comparative Study Of Kenya And Zimbabwe

Abstract

This research study aims at assessing the emerging cyber security threats: utilising a comparative study of Kenya and Zimbabwe. Emergence and growth of cyber security threats has become a global problem affecting both human and national security of developed and developing states worldwide. However, majority of states in the African region do not have the mechanisms in place to defend or fight the emerging cyber security threats. The lack of such mechanisms in place reduces the main function of any state to provide security and welfare to its citizens. Therefore, there is need for robust cyber threats defence mechanisms, so as to withstand the anticipated cyber-attacks. The general objective is to investigate the cyber security defense mechanisms in place in both Kenya and Zimbabwe in response to the emerging cyber security threats. It was guided by the following specific objectives which include; to examine the legal frameworks put in place in Kenya and Zimbabwe to respond to Cyber security threats, to assess the cyber defences available in Kenya and Zimbabwe to counter cyber security threats and to establish the regional cyber security defence strategies incorporated by the two countries in combating cyber security crimes or threats.in order to conceptualise the study it utilised the Securitisation theory. Their viewpoint centres on the fact that states always struggle to maintain their security. Their referent object is the observed area of the state that is under threat and hence needs to be protected for the state to survive. This research gathered data from both secondary and primary sources. Questionnaires and interview guide were administered to obtain primary data from a sample size of 70 participants from both countries while literature review from varied sources was incorporated to procedure knowledge concerning this research. Both qualitative and quantitative data was analysed through content analysis. The study established that, whereas, Kenya has enacted a number of cyber security related legislations, Zimbabwe on the other hand lacks a comprehensive “Cyber security framework” anchored in law, which could inform national strategy on cyber security. However, respective government key security stakeholders have made efforts to curb the menace especially in the ICT sector. It’s also notable that, a number of regional and continental-wide legislative frameworks have been adopted by the two countries and domesticated into national laws. Various recommendations from the study can be made which include: good cyber security policies and practices should put people and their rights, at the centre and seek to strengthen and protect human rights rather than curtail them. More so, cyber security frameworks must include data protection laws which safeguard against the exploitation of personal data collected by companies and public bodies.