The Kenyan government has announced fresh measures to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure and establish governance frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) as digital services continue to expand nationwide.
Speaking at the opening of the Sixth Annual Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) Conference in Naivasha, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said rapid digital transformation has created new opportunities but also increased exposure to sophisticated cyber threats.
Digital growth driving new security challenges
The three-day conference, organised by the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) in partnership with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), has brought together government officials, cybersecurity experts, regulators, researchers, private sector representatives and development partners to discuss emerging digital security issues.
Omollo noted that Kenya’s digital ecosystem has expanded significantly, highlighting the success of the eCitizen platform, which now hosts more than 24,000 government services, serves over 15 million users, and processes approximately 500,000 transactions every day.
He said while digital platforms have improved service delivery, accountability and transparency, they have also increased the country’s vulnerability to cyberattacks.
“National security today extends beyond physical infrastructure to include the protection of cloud systems, digital payment platforms, telecommunications networks and other critical information infrastructure,” Omollo said.
Government strengthening cybersecurity framework
The Principal Secretary outlined several initiatives already implemented to improve the country’s cyber resilience.
These include enforcement of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, operationalisation of the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee, and implementation of the Critical Information Infrastructure Protection and Cybersecurity Management Regulations, 2024.
He also welcomed Parliament’s approval of the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Agency, describing it as a key institution that will strengthen national coordination and improve preparedness against emerging cyber threats.
AI presents opportunities and new risks
Omollo warned that advances in artificial intelligence have created new cybersecurity challenges, including AI-generated deepfakes, identity fraud, misinformation campaigns and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
He said governments and technology stakeholders must develop strategies that allow AI to support innovation while preventing abuse.
According to the Principal Secretary, the country’s cybersecurity approach must evolve at the same pace as technological advancement to protect public trust and national security.
Call for locally developed cybersecurity solutions
The government also encouraged greater investment in home-grown innovation and digital skills development.
Omollo said Kenya should position itself not only as a consumer of cybersecurity technologies but also as a developer and exporter of digital security solutions capable of competing internationally.
He noted that building local expertise would strengthen the country’s digital resilience while creating opportunities within the technology sector.
Conference expected to shape future policy
Participants at the conference are expected to develop recommendations that will guide future cybersecurity policy, strengthen governance frameworks for artificial intelligence, and improve Kenya’s capacity to respond to rapidly evolving digital threats.
The discussions are also expected to inform future collaboration between government agencies, industry players and academic institutions as Kenya continues expanding its digital economy.
