Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has emphasized that cyber threats pose significant risks to Kenya’s national security. During the opening of the Cyber Week Africa 2024 Conference and Expo at the University of Nairobi, he noted that these threats affect all sectors and critical information infrastructure.
Omollo pointed out that such threats are particularly concerning for both the government and the private sector, which heavily depend on Information and Communication Technology for service delivery. “Cybersecurity threats come from various sources, including state-sponsored actors, hackers, intruders, and individuals who misuse their skills for malicious purposes,” he stated.
He highlighted the real danger posed by cyberattacks on critical information infrastructures, which could compromise national security, public safety, and economic stability.
He elaborated on the country’s cybersecurity strategic vision, which aims to create a safe and secure cyberspace for all. To achieve this, stakeholders and the state must focus on protecting critical information infrastructures and maintaining resilience against cyberattacks.
“As we become more reliant on technology, the threats we face grow more sophisticated. It is essential that we build strong cybersecurity capabilities and remain prepared to confront these challenges head-on,” Omollo said.
Omollo, who also chairs the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4), described the Cyber Week conference as a vital initiative designed to enhance user awareness, build capacity, and deepen understanding of risks in cyberspace. He emphasized that advancing cybersecurity requires collaboration among stakeholders to share information, viewpoints, and best practices.
He further stressed the importance of strengthening the cyber education system and expanding the national cybersecurity workforce, stating, “No number of technical solutions will be effective unless we have the skilled professionals needed to implement them.”
The PS highlighted the Kenyan government’s efforts to bolster cybersecurity by enacting the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management) Regulations, 2024, and investing in long-term capacity-building initiatives, including the establishment of cybersecurity centers of excellence.
“These centers will enhance our workforce, unify our efforts to protect our cyberspace, and foster collaboration between the government, the private sector, and international partners,” he concluded.
