Government officials have been called upon to prioritize the security of records and data accessible via the internet, amid rising concerns over cyber threats. Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo emphasized the importance of robust cybersecurity measures as the government increasingly adopts digital technologies to enhance service delivery.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a Cloud Computing Security training for government officers, organized in collaboration with Huawei Kenya, Dr. Omollo underscored the necessity of embracing cloud technology in today’s digital era. “The adoption of cloud technology is no longer an option but a necessity for governments, businesses, and organizations globally,” he said.
Dr. Omollo highlighted the growing risks associated with technological advancements, noting that cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated. “With these advancements come heightened risks to data security, privacy, and integrity. The need for robust cloud security measures has never been more critical,” he added.
The training, which focused on enhancing Kenya’s cloud computing security, builds on previous initiatives in cybersecurity governance. It is part of a broader, long-term collaboration aimed at equipping government officers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement international cybersecurity standards effectively. Huawei Kenya’s Deputy CEO for Public Affairs, Mr. Steven Zhang, highlighted the importance of such collaborations in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.
Coordinated by the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4) under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the training is a key component of Kenya’s efforts to bolster its cybersecurity defenses. Established under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the NC4 plays a pivotal role in coordinating all cybersecurity matters, including the detection, prevention, response, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes.
More than 200 government officers have benefited from the training, with the latest cohort celebrating their graduation in a ceremony presided over by Dr. Omollo. The PS noted that the training was timely, as it provided the participants with essential skills to drive the government’s digitalization and e-services agenda while safeguarding the country’s digital landscape in accordance with the Computer and Cybercrimes law.
Dr. Omollo emphasized that the training aligned with Kenya’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, which aims to mitigate cyber risks associated with technological advancements, including threats to critical infrastructure and sensitive data. He stressed that any lapse in cybersecurity could disrupt the delivery of essential online services to citizens and called for coordinated efforts among state agencies to ensure cyber stability.
The PS also highlighted the central role of the digital economy in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, noting that the government has automated more than 19,000 services on the e-Citizen platform. Dr. Omollo assured that the NC4 is well-equipped to tackle any cyber risks that could undermine the country’s push for enhanced efficiency and service delivery. He urged all government departments and agencies to implement strong cybersecurity measures to protect data, secure communication networks, and defend sensitive information against cyber threats.
“Cybersecurity is a critical component of national security, vital for economic growth, and a driving force for innovation in both the public and private sectors,” Dr. Omollo stated. He encouraged the graduating officers to take the lead in building secure and resilient digital environments, while also stressing the importance of continuous learning as technology evolves.
Mr. Zhang, on behalf of Huawei, expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government for trusting the company as a partner in the Digital Economy and Cyber Space. He reiterated Huawei’s commitment to providing secure, trustworthy, and high-quality products while enhancing the capabilities of Kenya’s workforce and partners in the face of evolving cybersecurity challenges.
