Kenya ranked 3rd in Africa Global Cyber Security Index
EVALYNE GITHINJI -PCO
Kenya has been ranked 21st glob ally, and third in Africa, in the Global Cyber Security Index just released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
It ranks behind Egypt and Ghana, in top tier countries that have performed well across a number of parameters.
In her speech during the 2024 Africa Regional Cyber Sector Collaboration Symposium, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, noted that some of the areas Kenya demonstrated stellar performance include availability of laws and regulations on cybercrime and cybersecurity.
Other parameters include awareness campaigns, training, education and incentives for cybersecurity capacity development as well as partnerships between agencies, firms and countries.
In the speech read on her behalf by the Principal Secretary, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, the CS noted that the operationalization of the National Key Infrastructure (NPKI) and the licensing of electronic certification providers has set the country on the path of a secure digital space.
“The enactment of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act, and as sociated regulations, the Data Protection Act and the national Cyber Security Strategy are some of the achievements that we are proud of as a country,” the CS said.
Dr Ndung’u under scored the reason the theme for this year’s October Cyber Security Awareness Month, “Human-Driven Innovation: Empowering Minds, Enhancing Defences,” resonates well with the government’s focus on enhancing the security of the country’s digital infrastructure.
She said that cybersecurity remains a major global concern fueled by increased ransomware, breaches affecting core industries and privacy concerns. In 2023, the ITU estimated the aver age cost for a data breach at USD 4.45 million.
Additionally, IT disruptions continue to affect the in tegrity and availability of systems, services and supply chains.