Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has warned that cyber threats pose a significant risk to Kenya’s national security.
Speaking at the opening of the Cyber Week Africa 2024 Conference and Expo at the University of Nairobi on Tuesday, Omollo highlighted that these threats impact all sectors and critical information infrastructure.
He stressed the concerns of both the government and private sector, which rely heavily on Information and Communication Technology for service delivery. “Cybersecurity threats originate from various sources, including state-sponsored actors, hackers, and individuals who misuse their skills for malicious intent,” Omollo stated. “The potential impact of cyberattacks on our critical infrastructure could endanger national security, public safety, and economic stability.”
Omollo emphasized the government’s clear strategic vision for cybersecurity, aiming to establish a safe and secure cyberspace. He noted the importance of protecting critical information infrastructures and maintaining resilience against cyberattacks.
“As we grow more dependent on technology, the sophistication of threats increases. It’s crucial to develop strong cybersecurity capabilities and be prepared to tackle these challenges directly. Our success in the digital economy relies on it,” he explained.
As chair of the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4), Omollo recognized the Cyber Week conference as vital for raising awareness, building capacity, and enhancing understanding of cyberspace risks.
He asserted that these conferences play a key role in advancing cybersecurity by bringing together experts to share knowledge, perspectives, and best practices.
Omollo also highlighted the need to strengthen cyber education and expand the national cybersecurity workforce. “No technical solution will succeed without the skilled professionals to implement it,” he added.
The NC4 is committed to enhancing cyber capacity across both government and private sectors, emphasizing that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility. The Kenyan government has made significant progress by enacting the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime (Critical Information Infrastructure and Cybercrime Management) Regulations, 2024, and is investing in long-term capacity-building initiatives, including the establishment of cybersecurity centers of excellence.
“These centers will strengthen our workforce, unify efforts to safeguard our cyberspace, and promote collaboration between government, the private sector, and international partners,” Omollo concluded.
