Consumers across Kenya — and globally — are falling victim to online scams carried out by foreign digital platforms. These scams often involve unauthorized deductions, misleading subscription offers, and poor refund systems. Vulnerable users such as students, low-income earners, and first-time internet users are hit the hardest. I am one of many Kenyans affected, and I’ve realized this issue crosses borders and affects digital consumers worldwide.

Millions are at risk of losing money through unchecked digital fraud. Many victims have no access to refunds or proper reporting channels. If left unaddressed, trust in digital commerce will continue to decline. Foreign platforms operate with impunity, using global payment processors like Visa card, Paybal and Mastercard and local services like Safaricom and Airtel — often without strong verification safeguards. What’s at stake is financial security, consumer confidence, and digital fairness for all.

Online scams are growing rapidly, especially in countries with weak digital consumer protection frameworks. As more people turn to digital payments, the urgency to act is greater than ever. This petition is a call to action for Kenyan regulators, telecom companies, banks, and global stakeholders to work together to enforce safer systems. The digital economy should benefit everyone — not enable exploitation.

PETITION: Stop Online Scams in Kenya – A Global Call for Consumer Protection

To: The Parliament of Kenya, Communications Authority of Kenya, DCI Cybercrime Unit, Ministry of ICT, Ministry of Trade, Consumer Protection Bodies, and Relevant Stakeholders
We, the undersigned, concerned citizens of Kenya and allies across the globe, are deeply alarmed by the growing wave of online scams and fraudulent activities that are exploiting innocent Kenyans — especially youth, job seekers, small business owners, and low-income earners.
From fake online job offers, fraudulent investments, deceptive digital marketplaces, to cross-border e-commerce traps — the scale of exploitation is rising daily. Most victims suffer in silence, unaware of where or how to seek help.

We demand the following immediate actions and policy interventions:

1. Establishment of a Regulatory Body
Parliament should establish an independent authority or expand the mandate of an existing agency to scrutinize, register, and license foreign online businesses operating in Kenya. This will enhance oversight and consumer protection in the digital economy.
2. Mandatory Licensing for Foreign Online Businesses
All foreign-owned online platforms targeting Kenyans must be formally registered, licensed, and compliant with local consumer protection laws before operating in the country.
3. Clear Refund Mechanisms for Scammed Victims
Introduce an enforceable legal framework that guarantees timely refunds to victims of verified scams. The DCI Cybercrime Unit and consumer protection bodies should coordinate to investigate such cases and ensure accountability.
4. Blacklisting of Fraudulent Businesses
A publicly accessible blacklist of foreign and local businesses/platforms with proven records of scamming, blackmail, or fraudulent activities should be maintained. Data for blacklisting should come from investigations by DCI and consumer reports.
5. Obligations for Digital Platforms and Telecom Providers
Require social media companies, e-commerce platforms, and telecom providers to adopt proactive measures in detecting, reporting, and preventing scams on their platforms. These entities should implement and enforce anti-fraud policies in line with Kenyan law.
6. Public Awareness & Education
Launch continuous nationwide campaigns to educate the public on the latest scam tactics, reporting mechanisms, and safe online practices, especially targeting vulnerable groups.
7. Stronger Penalties for Facilitators of Fraud
Enforce strict penalties against individuals, institutions, or platforms that enable or ignore fraudulent transactions within their systems.
8. Financial Institutions and Payment Gateways Must Be Accountable
Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, and all licensed banks in Kenya, including digital wallets, must establish and publicize clear procedures for:
Flagging suspicious transactions, especially those involving unlicensed or high-risk online platforms.
Freezing or reversing fraudulent transactions when flagged in time.
Cooperating with investigations led by Kenyan authorities and assisting victims in tracing their money.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) must provide oversight, issue regulatory guidelines, and enforce compliance among payment service providers to prevent the facilitation of scams through formal financial systems.
This is a non-partisan, public-interest initiative aimed at safeguarding our people from financial harm and restoring trust in online services. We call upon the Government of Kenya, Parliament, regulators, law enforcement, and the private sector to act now.
Protect Kenyans. Stop Online Scams. Enforce Consumer Rights.