Kenyan Government and ICT Partners Join Forces to Cultivate Cybersecurity Expertise in Youth
Nairobi – A strategic collaboration has been initiated by the Kenyan government, institutions of higher learning, and key players in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, with the aim of nurturing a new generation of cybersecurity specialists.
According to Kenya News Agency, Communications, and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo, this venture has witnessed intensified efforts in partnership with the private sector to champion initiatives that strengthen Kenya’s resilience against burgeoning cybersecurity threats. “We need a digital army so that our digital assets and resources can be safeguarded from those who do not mean good for business and the citizens,” stated Owalo. He underscored the imperative of building national capabilities to navigate and mitigate cyber threats in an era of global digital transformation.
In his remarks, conveyed by Christopher Wambua, Acting Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), during a cybersecurity workshop held in Nairobi, Owalo elaborated on the necessity for comprehensive preparedness in the digital sphere, with cybersecurity being a non-negotiable aspect. He pinpointed the government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) that identifies ICT as a pivotal driver for economic development, facilitating progress across diverse sectors.
Owalo drew attention to the government’s digital superhighway agenda, envisioning a future where the citizenry can fully leverage ICT capabilities, particularly broadband, to interact in the digital realm at unprecedented speeds. “The digital economy presents immense opportunities for individuals to leverage their skills, generate income, and contribute to the overall development of our nation,” he remarked, emphasizing the government’s commitment to expanding broadband access through extensive fibre network deployment, the establishment of Wi-Fi hotspots, and ICT hubs nationwide.
These initiatives are complemented by the CA’s efforts under the Universal Service Fund (USF), aiming for inclusive digital transformation. The Jitume programme was highlighted as a vital tool in this endeavor, providing youth across the country with digital skills, e-services, and online opportunities.
Owalo reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring a secure digital economy, safeguarding platforms and networks critical to e-government services, e-commerce, and employment connectivity against cyber threats. He stated, “Through the operationalization of the National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI) and licensing of electronic certification providers, we have set the country on a path to a secure digital space.”
Victor Guo, Huawei Vice President for East African Government Affairs, shared insights into the youth’s enthusiasm for cybersecurity, referencing the 6,000 students that registered for the 2023 online boot camp and hackathon organized by CA, Huawei, and the Kenya Cybersecurity Forensics Association. “I believe that today’s conference discussions about the skills needed in the cyber security space will enable us to identify the gaps and work together with the Kenyan government in efforts to address these gaps,” said Guo, highlighting the solid partnership between Huawei and CA.