Kenya Launches Cybercrime Protection Game for Children

Kenya Launches Cybercrime Protection Game for Children

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Established in 1999 by the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, is the Authority responsible for facilitating the development of the information and communications sectors including; broadcasting, cybersecurity, multimedia, telecommunications, electronic commerce, postal, and courier services.

In an effort to pursue its purpose and promote safer cyberspace in Kenya, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) launched an online game called “Cyber Soldjas” on Tuesday, which aims to educate children about the perils and realities of using the internet.

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The game, called “Cyber Soldjas,” was launched during the official opening of the national Safe Internet Day 2022 celebrations was developed by Usiku Games and is aimed at children aged four to fourteen. This age group learns best via action and repetition, which is best accomplished through games.

Mercy Wanjau, the authority’s Director of Legal Services, remarked upon the program’s introduction that the game development was informed by increased cyber threats in the Kenyan online space and is aimed at encouraging people’s role in creating a safer online space.

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“Impacts range from threats to protection of personal data and privacy to harassment and cyberbullying, harmful online content, grooming for sexual purposes, and sexual abuse and exploitation,” Mr. Chiloba expanded in a speech read on his behalf by Ms. Wanjau.

According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), 20.6 million Kenyans aged three and above own a mobile phone, as shown in the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

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The statistics show that the majority of these devices are in the hands of young people aged 25 to 34, who owns 6.1 million of them. They are followed by those aged 18-24, who have 4.6 million mobile phones, and children aged three to four have 44,777 mobile phones in their hands.

The CA Director-General Ezra Chiloba however, noted that increased access to the Internet and digital technology also poses significant challenges to children and the youth, including their safety.