Kenya taps Google to strengthen its cybersecurity efforts
Google has announced plans to collaborate with Kenya’s Ministry of Information Communications and The Digital Economy to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity efforts.
The announcement was made during Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States of America (USA), the first state visit to Washington, D.C by a sitting African head of state in nearly two decades.
As part of the collaboration, Kenya’s Department of Immigration and Citizen Services is evaluating Google Cloud’s CyberShield solution and Mandiant expertise to strengthen the defense of its eCitizen platform. CyberShield enables governments to build enhanced cyberthreat capabilities, protect web-facing infrastructure and helps teams develop skills and processes that drive effective security operations.
The collaboration will also see Google help Kenya with growing data-driven innovation, digital upskilling, and responsibly and safely deploying AI for societal benefits.
Google has long recognized the critical role investments in secure technology infrastructure have on connecting communities, expanding education, and driving healthy economic development within Africa and around the world.
Since the tech giant opened its first Sub-Saharan Africa office in Nairobi in 2007, it has partnered with governments from countries across Africa on numerous digital initiatives. In 2021, it committed to invest $1 billion in Africa over five years to support a range of efforts, from improved connectivity to investment in startups, to help boost Africa’s digital transformation.
Since then, Google has invested more than $900 million in the region and expects to fulfill its commitment by 2026.
‘’The collaboration introduced this week is the latest step towards delivering on our broader commitment to support Africa’s digital transformation, continued economic growth, and innovation.’’ Brian Quigley, VP, Global Network Infrastructure, Google Cloud said.
‘’Google is as committed as ever to partnering with communities, businesses, and governments in Africa to help foster even more innovation across the continent, and we are excited about this next chapter for Kenya and the region,’’ he added.
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