Rapid Reference Guide on Investigation and Prosecution of Offences under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, Cap. 79C

The Rapid Reference Guide is a practical operational toolkit developed by the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime in Kenya. It responds to the increasing complexity of cybercrime by providing investigators, prosecutors and other justice-sector practitioners with a common reference for applying the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, Cap. 79C consistently and effectively.

The Guide translates the law into practical action by outlining cybercrime offences, their essential legal elements and evidentiary requirements, while identifying relevant institutions that may support investigations. It also provides sample charges, guidance on digital evidence and chain of custody, sample court applications for investigative powers, and procedures for international cooperation where evidence or actors are located across borders.

By harmonising investigative and prosecutorial approaches, strengthening digital evidence practices and promoting inter-agency coordination, the Guide contributes to more effective enforcement, stronger accountability and greater deterrence of cybercrime. Ultimately, it supports Kenya’s broader objective of building a secure, trusted and resilient cyberspace for Kenya and its people.