Kenyans are now being urged to embrace innovation and technology as a vital tool in strengthening online safety.
The call to action was made by stakeholders at the 9th edition of the Securexpo East Africa 2024 held at Sarit Centre, Nairobi.
This comes at a time when the number of online users and digital transformation in the country is on an upward trajectory, a development that has also come with increased cybersecurity threats.
According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Q4 sector statistics report for the financial year 2023/24, the total cyber threats detected rose to 1.1 billion.
This is a 16.5% increase as compared to the previous quarter, Jan-Mar 2024, where 971.4 million cyber threats were recorded.
The total cyber advisories stood at 9.34 million in Apr-Jun 2024 up from 8.52 million in Jan-Mar 2024; a 9.6% increase.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, ICTA Director for Programmes and Standards Thomas Bwaley called for public-private sector collaboration in adopting cutting-edge solutions to address the growing security concerns in the digital and physical landscapes.
In his keynote speech, Bwaley emphasised the critical role of online security in Kenya’s ongoing digital transformation.
He further indicated that more access to the internet through the government’s digital superhighway agenda must be accompanied with more awareness on safe spaces online in pursuit of the country’s Vision 2030.
“The government has an ambitious plan to roll out 100,000 kilometres, develop 1,450 ICT hubs in all wards and install 25,000 public Wi Fi hotspots across the country,” he said.
“With that, then it means securing the physical aspects of this particular infrastructure is quite critical, as well as also securing the users.”
“In line with this year’s theme of Securexpo, we need to think about innovation for a secure future and now in the region. Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity. The security of our physical and digital environments is deeply intertwined,” he added.
On her part, Montgomery Group East Africa MD Angela Kinyua, highlighted the significance of this year’s expo in driving partnerships and innovations adding that the exhibition is a powerful symbol of the country’s commitment to progress, collaborate and innovate.
Kinyua extended her gratitude to the speakers and participants who contributed their expertise, and also presided over the presentation of the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), recognizing excellence in the security sector.
This year, Kenyan companies achieved significant recognition, underscoring their contributions to global security standards.
The expo, which runs throughout the week, is a platform for sharing best practices and exploring the latest innovations in both physical and digital security, ensuring a safer and more secure future for East Africa.
Some of the exhibiting companies include Security Systems, Securex, Two Way, Silvertech, Bistrol Distributions Systems, Draeger, Toshiba and Lady Askari among others.
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