Cybercrime escalates in Kenya: online gambling faces severe challenges
Kenya faces a growing wave of cybercrime that threatens to put its rapidly developing digital economy at risk. TransUnion’s report highlights that “82% of Kenyans were targeted by fraudsters in the second half of 2024,” revealing how serious the issue has become. As criminals refine their methods and interfere with routine online activities, they have made online gambling platforms their primary target.
Kenyan users see increased fraud attempts
Digital fraud has skyrocketed in Kenya. About 82% of people have dealt with scam attempts, showing it spares no one in society. These attacks accelerated in late 2024, making it clear that cybercriminals are targeting Kenya’s growing online activity.
This increase isn’t just about numbers. This means millions of stolen transactions, hacked accounts and leaked personal information. Fraudsters now use almost every digital platform, from mobile money apps to social media accounts, as entry points for their schemes.
A growing number of victims and financial damages
What’s more worrying than the sheer number of these attacks is how often they succeed. , “11% of those targeted fell victim to an attack,” which is a rise from 8% earlier this year. This increase shows how fraudsters have adjusted to the local environment, taking advantage of weak spots in user knowledge and security systems on platforms.
The financial damage is staggering. On average, victims lose Sh116,000 ($897) in these scams. For many Kenyans, that kind of money might equal several months of savings or the entire working budget of a small business. As more people face these losses, trust in online services is taking a big hit. This loss of confidence could slow Kenya’s progress in becoming a digital economy.
Online gambling sector faces the biggest challenges
Fraudsters heavily target online gambling. In Kenya, betting apps and poker platforms are growing, drawing criminals into this industry. Large transaction amounts and constant top-ups in digital betting make it a prime target for crime.
Criminals use strategies like hijacking accounts or faking deposit receipts, harming both players and platforms. Gambling companies report an increase in chargebacks and transaction disputes. This pushes them to invest heavily in fraud prevention technologies. Even advanced solutions often struggle to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Gambling fraud worldwide
Kenya’s cybercrime struggles highlight a global pattern. Across the world, , with a suspected fraud percentage of 7.8. It is behind online spaces like forums and dating apps, which show 11.6%, and the broader video gaming world.
These statistics show that criminals thrive where digital money moves most. In many regions, significant gambling transactions and weak identity verification create a perfect setup for scammers to work without restrictions.
Fraud threatens other industries
Although gambling faces most of the risk, some other Kenyan industries have also seen significant jumps in fraud cases:
- Logistics: a 101% increase in fraud attempts.
- Gaming (excluding gambling): Saw a 20% jump.
- Government services: Recorded a 6% rise.
- Financial services: Experienced 3% growth.
These numbers indicate that cybercriminals target more than one type of industry and are always on the lookout for weaknesses. As Kenya digitises public systems and e-commerce expands, businesses and government agencies feel the growing need to strengthen their security against cybercrime.
Smishing: rising as a serious threat
Smishing, also known as SMS phishing, is becoming a bigger issue in Kenya. Scammers trick people by sending text messages that seem to come from reliable organisations.
Scammers send messages that press people to click harmful links or share private information. Many give away passwords, bank info, or ID numbers. Smishing works well in areas where SMS is the main way to chat, and people often don’t check if the sender is genuine.
Building strong security: a call to act together
As criminals improve their methods and expand their attacks, the warning cannot be ignored. Cyber threats are putting Kenya’s digital world at risk. Stopping these attacks requires joint efforts from individuals, businesses, and authorities.
People need to stay cautious by using strong passwords, turning on two-factor authentication, and being sceptical of unexpected messages. Companies should prioritise real-time tracking, fraud-detection tools powered by machine learning, and routine security checks. At the same time, authorities must implement strict cybersecurity rules and encourage platforms to share information.
Kenya has made considerable advancements in the digital space, but it is now at a critical turning point. If everyone works together, the country can protect its online economy, keep users safe, and maintain trust in the systems used every day. Time is running out, and ignoring these issues will lead to bigger problems.
