Government Officers Urged to Prioritize Data Security, Huawei offers training

• Aug 28, 2024

Government officers have been urged to prioritize the security of records and data accessible via the internet, as cyber threats become more sophisticated with the adoption of technology in service delivery. Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo emphasized the importance of robust cloud security during the closing of a Cloud Computing Security training for government officers, held in collaboration with Huawei Kenya.

Dr. Omollo highlighted that while cloud technology is essential for modern governance and business operations, it also introduces 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," he said.

The training, coordinated by the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4) under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, is part of a broader collaboration aimed at enhancing Kenya’s cybersecurity framework. More than 200 government officers have benefited from these training sessions, which align with the country’s National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Dr. Omollo pointed out that the skills acquired through the training are crucial for advancing the government’s digitalization agenda and safeguarding Kenya’s digital landscape in line with the Computer and Cybercrime law. He stressed that any lapse in cybersecurity could disrupt essential online services and called for coordinated efforts among state agencies to ensure cyber stability.

With the digital economy being a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, Dr. Omollo noted that over 19,000 services have been automated on the e-Citizen platform. He assured that NC4 is well-equipped to address any cyber risks that might threaten the country’s push for enhanced efficiency in service delivery.

Huawei Kenya’s Deputy CEO for Public Affairs, Steven Zhang, expressed gratitude for the government’s trust in Huawei as a partner in the Digital Economy and Cyber Space. He reiterated the company’s commitment to providing secure and high-quality products while building capacity in Kenya’s cybersecurity landscape.

Dr. Omollo encouraged the newly trained officers to continue updating their skills, acknowledging the dynamic nature of technology and its impact on national security and economic growth.