INTERPOL Warns: Online Scams in Kenya Surge by 114% in Just One Year
According to the Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2025, Kenya is now among the most affected countries on the continent when it comes to online fraud.
INTERPOL report reveals online scams in Kenya surged by 114% between 2023 and 2024. Photo/The Star Kenya.
By Maxwell Maungu
Cybercrime in Kenya is accelerating at an alarming rate. A new report from INTERPOL reveals that online scams in the country rose by a staggering 114% between 2023 and 2024.
According to the Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2025, Kenya is now among the most affected countries on the continent when it comes to online fraud.
The trend isn’t isolated—Sudan recorded a dramatic 3,000% spike in scam reports, while Angola experienced an 826% increase.
The most common cyber threat is phishing—where criminals impersonate trusted institutions like banks, employers, or government agencies to trick individuals into revealing sensitive personal information. In Kenya, phishing tactics have evolved to become more targeted and emotionally manipulative.
“Scammers aren’t just sending mass emails anymore. They’re creating messages that feel real and personal,” an INTERPOL officer noted.
These scams are affecting people across all age groups and professions. With more Kenyans using mobile money platforms and shopping online, cybercriminals are finding new opportunities to exploit.
The report highlights that cybercrime now accounts for over 30% of all reported crimes in Eastern Africa, marking a serious threat to both personal security and national economies.
INTERPOL is urging a coordinated response involving governments, law enforcement agencies, and technology providers. Key recommendations from the report include:
Establishing cybercrime units within police departments
Training investigators, judges, and prosecutors on digital crimes
Deploying advanced tools to detect and track online fraudsters
Launching public awareness campaigns on how to recognize and avoid scams
“This is more than a tech issue—it’s a public safety crisis and a growing financial threat,” the report concludes.
Kenya joins countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda on INTERPOL’s list of top targets for cybercriminals in Africa. The message is clear: as digital access grows, so must cybersecurity efforts—before the situation spirals further out of control.
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