Interior PS Raymond Omollo stresses the need to strengthen Kenya’s cybersecurity during CyberWeek Africa 2024 at the University of Nairobi on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has emphasized the urgent need to fortify Kenya’s cybersecurity framework to safeguard the nation’s digital future. At the opening of the second CyberWeek Africa 2024 Conference at the University of Nairobi, Omollo warned that the country’s increasing dependence on technology has made it more vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats.
Omollo, who also chairs the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4), stressed the importance of a unified national approach to counter cybercrime. “As our reliance on technology grows, so do the threats we face. It is crucial that we build robust cybersecurity defenses to protect our digital economy,” he said.
The PS called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners to strengthen Kenya’s defense against evolving cyber threats targeting critical information infrastructure. He noted that cyberattacks could disrupt essential services and jeopardize national security.
“Cyber threats are not limited to government systems; they also target private sector entities, posing risks to public safety, economic stability, and national security. We need to be vigilant and proactive in our approach to cybersecurity,” Omollo added.
He highlighted the diverse nature of cyber threats, which include state-sponsored attacks, cybercriminals, and individuals exploiting technology for personal gain. Omollo emphasized that coordinated efforts are needed to counter these threats effectively.
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The Interior PS acknowledged the progress Kenya has made in cybersecurity, pointing to the recent enactment of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Regulations, 2024. He noted that the legislation, approved by Parliament in March, forms a crucial foundation for safeguarding the nation’s digital assets.
To further enhance cybersecurity capabilities, Omollo announced that the government is investing in long-term initiatives such as establishing cybersecurity centers of excellence. These centers aim to develop a skilled workforce and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
“These centers will strengthen our cybersecurity workforce and unify our efforts to protect the country’s digital space. Collaboration is key in this dynamic field,” he said, urging players in the digital sector to work together to establish coordinated response structures.
The three-day CyberWeek Africa 2024 conference, hosted in partnership with the University of Nairobi, brings together industry experts, government officials, and international partners to discuss strategies for tackling current and emerging cyber threats. The event features discussions on improving cybersecurity policies, industry practices, and workforce development.
Omollo expressed optimism that the conference will set the stage for future engagements, making it a cornerstone event for addressing cybersecurity challenges in Kenya. “We aim to make this an annual event, continuously refining it to meet the needs of our unique digital landscape,” he noted.
The conference has attracted a host of notable figures, including University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, Kenya School of Government Director-General Nura Mohamed, and representatives from international cybersecurity organizations.
As Kenya continues to embrace digital transformation, Omollo’s call for a concerted effort to bolster cybersecurity is timely. The success of initiatives like CyberWeek Africa will be critical in shaping the nation’s digital resilience and protecting its economic prosperity in an increasingly interconnected world.
