(Nairobi) – The Kenyan government has significantly increased its digital service offerings to over 17,000, with plans to expand further despite facing an alarming rise in cyber-attacks. According to the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, the country is currently experiencing 1.7 billion cyber threats, and this number is expected to continue growing. This was revealed during the ongoing Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) conference on governance, risk, and compliance.
Yunis Omar, the Director of Cybersecurity at the Ministry of ICT, emphasized the government’s commitment to digitizing all public services, despite the growing challenges posed by cyber threats. He highlighted that the government had already laid over 180,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable as part of its ambitious digitization plans.
In addition to improving connectivity, the government has plans to train over 20 million Kenyans in digital literacy, a step that will be critical as the country continues to expand internet access. Omar also noted that the government aims to establish 25,000 digital hotspots and 1,450 digital hubs by 2027, which will further support the push towards nationwide digital inclusion.
The government’s efforts to mitigate the challenges posed by cyber threats include working with partners to enhance data security across all digital platforms. Omar reiterated that ensuring the safety of online transactions and personal data remains a priority in the face of rising cybersecurity concerns.
Mercy Omollo, the President of ISACA, also addressed the challenges facing the digital sector, particularly the impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East and political instability in various regions. These global disruptions have contributed to increased regulatory measures in the sector. Omollo urged stakeholders to prioritize innovation in the ongoing era of digital transformation.
The ISACA conference also discussed the role of cybersecurity certifications in addressing the growing risks. Preston Odero, chair of the association, noted that ISACA had expanded its certifications from one to nine in response to the rising demand for cybersecurity expertise. The association’s membership has also increased, now surpassing 1,800 members, underscoring the growing importance of cybersecurity in Kenya’s digital landscape.