Safaricom’s annual Engineering Summit (Safaricom Decode 3.0) kicked off on Wednesday with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity as an important pillar of East Africa’s digital economy.
The summit, now on its third day provides a platform for young engineers, scientists, tech enthusiasts, innovators and stakeholders to engage in knowledge exchange, discussions and envision the future of engineering together.
Under the theme “ Charting East Africa’s Digital Destiny” the event also seeks to champion young innovator’s role in transforming Kenya’s engineering landscape through innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Speaking at the event Cynthia Kropac, Safaricom’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer emphasized that cybersecurity is a necessity in East Africa’s growing digital economy. She highlighted the role of AI, machine learning, and industry collaboration in anticipating and mitigating threats.
To secure the digital future, she underscored the need for continuous investment in next-gen solutions, talent development, and emerging technologies like blockchain and quantum computing.
‘’The goal is to embed security into every layer of digital progress, fostering resilience, trust, and sustainable growth,’’ she said.
Colonel (Dr.) James Kimuyu, Director of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Committee (NC4), also delivered a powerful keynote on cybersecurity strategies for East Africa.
With cyber threats on the rise, he emphasized that proactive defense mechanisms, industry-wide collaboration, and advanced technologies are vital in safeguarding the region’s digital infrastructure.
The session also featured an elite panel of cybersecurity experts, including Pharace Moraa (Safaricom), Manish Awasthi (CopyCat Group), Lawrence Muchilwa (FIRST), and Joylynn Kirui (Microsoft) who shared game-changing strategies for tackling cyber threats. Moderated by Sabrina Barongo (Safaricom), the discussion emphasized collaboration, innovation, and resilience as the keys to a secure digital future.
Safaricom Decode serves as a platform to showcase engineering excellence, cutting-edge technology advancements, and thought leadership while also emphasizing the alignment with national strategies, the promotion of financial inclusion, and the responsible use of technology, all in pursuit of shaping Kenya’s digital future.
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