[{"bbox": [155, 154, 1119, 209], "category": "Text", "text": "inequalities (in particular gender inequality, i.e. almost a third of households are headed by women and are among the poorest)³, ethnic divide and governance issues, including corruption and conflict."}, {"bbox": [155, 227, 1121, 769], "category": "Text", "text": "Security threats and challenges have had considerable impact on Kenya's ability to achieve its development goals. Conflict and instability in the region, in addition to internal political and security challenges can fuel unrest, in particular when combined with tribalism, corruption, impunity and unresolved historical grievances. EU's strategic objectives in Kenya include promoting trade and investment, partnering on security for the stability of the country and the region, and addressing human development and inequalities. In May 2021, the **Council Conclusions on the Horn of Africa** have identified Kenya as a key partner for the EU and in June 2021, EU and Kenya (PEC Michel and President Kenyatta) launched a **Strategic Dialogue**. In January 2022, HRVP Borrell opened the Dialogue kick-off meetings covering 3 pillars: Peace and Security, Sustainable Development, Economics and Trade. In February 2023, a Senior Official Meeting held in Nairobi confirmed these strategic priorities. The 2022 EU Strategic Compass reiterates strategic lines of engagement with African countries, whereby ongoing conflicts, poor governance and terrorism across the continent affect the EU's security; stability in the Horn of Africa remains a major security imperative for the EU. Furthermore, the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 provides guidance on minimising the risks of digital technologies, while the June 2020 Council Conclusions on Counterterrorism and Violent Extremism reiterates the importance and urgency of addressing these issues in the external actions and highlights that close cooperation with youth, children, women, civil society, human rights defenders and victims of terrorism remains a key to success. These priorities were reinforced at the Senior Official Meeting of the EU-Kenya Strategic Dialogue, held in Nairobi in February 2023."}, {"bbox": [155, 787, 1121, 1044], "category": "Text", "text": "Despite concerted efforts to counter violent extremism, radicalisation and recruitment continue to spread from the traditional hotspot counties into other regions of Kenya. This is exacerbated by the persistence of push and pull factors creating conditions favourable for radicalisation and recruitment. Beyond Kenya's borders, conflict and other factors have facilitated the expansion of Daesh and Al-Shabab threatening Kenya, and regional security. The risks of conflict, terrorism and violent extremism, in all their forms and irrespective of their origin, continue to evolve and pose a serious threat to Kenya's peace and security. Over the last two decades, terrorism has been on the rise with Al Shabaab increasing their attacks and radicalising the youth, including women and girls. In addition to women and girls being victims of attacks by Al Shabaab, there is also growing concern that there is an increase in female perpetrators."}, {"bbox": [155, 1061, 1121, 1375], "category": "Text", "text": "A strong economy, a population of 54 million and a high level of usage of online services makes Kenya a favoured target for cyber threats. According to the African cyber threat Assessment report of October 2024, Kenya is with South Africa and Morocco one of the African countries most affected by cybercriminal activities. With more and more Kenyans connecting to the internet from mobile devices like phones and tablets, also comes the rise of mobile money and other economic transactions using digital technologies. This coupled with a lack of coherent legislation and regulatory frameworks, as well as inadequate cybersecurity measures in key sectors, is turning Kenya into a lucrative target for cyber criminals. In the space of democratic governance and participation, campaigns orchestrated by foreign regimes or interest groups relative to geopolitical interests are seen to sometimes counter democratic and universal values. Contributing to Kenya's cybersecurity will align with Global Gateway digital investment priority and principles democratic values and high standards security-focused principle."}, {"bbox": [155, 1393, 1121, 1534], "category": "Text", "text": "Although increasing fast, the level of cybersecurity in Kenya has not been as fast as its digital transformation. Kenya has not signed nor ratified the African Union Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal data nor the Budapest convention on cybercrime and attacks have raised awareness in the general population (e.g. the Kaseya IT service by a ransomware group). In this context, this action will be an opportunity for the EU to promote an open, free, stable and secure cyberspace together with Kenyan"}, {"bbox": [144, 1565, 268, 1590], "category": "Footnote", "text": "³ Kenya CLIP."}, {"bbox": [144, 1589, 1104, 1615], "category": "Footnote", "text": "⁴ https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2021/INTERPOL-report-identifies-top-cyberthreats-in-Africa"}, {"bbox": [1008, 1667, 1115, 1691], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 5 of 26"}]