As Kenya advances its digital transformation, government officers have been urged to prioritize the security of records and data accessible online. The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, recently emphasized the need for robust cybersecurity measures in light of the growing risks associated with the adoption of cloud technology.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a Cloud Computing Security training program for government officers, Dr. Omollo highlighted the dual nature of technological adoption. While technology has significantly improved service delivery, it has also introduced complex challenges, particularly regarding data security. The training was organized in collaboration with Huawei Kenya, a key partner in Kenya’s efforts to bolster its cybersecurity governance.
“The adoption of cloud technology is no longer an option but a necessity for governments, businesses, and organizations globally,” Dr. Omollo remarked. “However, with these advancements come heightened risks to data security, privacy, and integrity. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and the need for robust cloud security measures has never been more critical.”
Collaboration with Huawei to Bolster Cybersecurity
The collaboration with Huawei Kenya is part of a broader, long-term strategy to enhance Kenya’s cybersecurity posture. This partnership aims to strengthen the capabilities of government officers by providing specialized training to equip them with the skills necessary to implement international cybersecurity standards. Steven Zhang, Huawei Kenya’s Deputy CEO for Public Affairs, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s cybersecurity initiatives, stating, “We will continue to provide secure, trustworthy, and high-quality products while improving the capabilities of our people and partners.”
The National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4), operating under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, is spearheading this training initiative. Established by the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, NC4 is tasked with coordinating all cybersecurity efforts, including the detection, prevention, response, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes. So far, over 200 officers have benefited from this training, with the latest cohort graduating in a ceremony presided over by Dr. Omollo.
Enhancing Skills to Drive Digital Transformation
Dr. Omollo highlighted the timeliness of the training in information and cloud technologies, noting its importance in equipping government officers with the knowledge and skills needed to advance the government’s digitalization and e-services agenda. “These skills are critical not only for advancing our digital transformation but also for safeguarding the country’s digital infrastructure in accordance with the Computer and Cybercrime law,” he said.
The training aligns with Kenya’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, which aims to mitigate cyber risks that threaten critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Dr. Omollo emphasized that lapses in cybersecurity could disrupt essential online services for citizens and called for a concerted effort among state agencies to ensure cyber stability.
He also underscored the importance of the digital economy as a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, highlighting that the government has already automated over 19,000 services on the e-Citizen platform. Dr. Omollo expressed confidence in NC4’s ability to manage cyber risks that could undermine the country’s push for enhanced efficiency and service delivery.
A Call for Vigilance and Continuous Improvement
Dr. Omollo stressed that all government departments and agencies must implement strong cybersecurity measures to protect data, secure communication networks, and safeguard sensitive information from cyber threats. “Cybersecurity is not just a component of national security but a critical driver of economic growth and innovation in both the public and private sectors,” he stated.
He congratulated the graduates of the training program, urging them to remain vigilant and continually update their skills as technology evolves rapidly. Zhang also thanked the Kenyan government for trusting Huawei as a partner in the digital economy and cyberspace, reiterating Huawei’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity capacity in Kenya.
Conclusion
As Kenya accelerates its digital transformation, prioritizing cybersecurity is essential to protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Through partnerships with organizations like Huawei, the government is building a strong foundation for a secure digital future. The ongoing training and development of government officers in cloud security measures will play a crucial role in achieving these goals, ensuring Kenya remains resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats.
