Kenya partners with Huawei to boost security of cloud computing infrastructure

Kenya has partnered with Chinese tech giant Huawei to bolster the security of the government's cloud computing infrastructure. As part of this collaboration, Huawei is also training government officials in cybersecurity to protect records and data from potential cyberattacks.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a Cloud Computing Security training for government officers in Nairobi, Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo highlighted the benefits of adopting cloud technology for improving service delivery. However, he also noted the associated risks, particularly the threat to critical infrastructure and sensitive data posed by cyberattacks.

"The adoption of cloud technology is no longer an option but a necessity for governments, businesses, and organisations globally. However, with these advancements come 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," Omollo stated.

He noted that cybersecurity is a crucial component of national security and a key driver of economic growth and innovation in both the public and private sectors.

The collaboration with Huawei, which includes the training of government officers, is part of a broader effort to enhance Kenya's cloud computing security and implement international cybersecurity standards, according to Huawei Kenya's Deputy CEO for Public Affairs, Steven Zhang.

Government partners with Huawei on Cloud Computing Security

The government has partnered with Huawei Technologies, Kenya, @HuaweiKenya to provide Cloud Computing Security training.

This initiative, driven by the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee @NC4Kenya,… pic.twitter.com/1gYL2jVNsl

— Ministry of Interior | Kenya (@InteriorKE) August 26, 2024

The training is coordinated by the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4) in collaboration with Huawei. NC4, a multi-agency body established by the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, oversees all cybersecurity matters, including the detection, prevention, response, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes.

Over 200 officers have benefited from the training, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to advance the government's digitalisation and e-services initiatives. The training is aligned with Kenya's National Cybersecurity Strategy. The trainees were urged to prioritise the security of records and data that could be accessed through the Internet.

Dr Omollo warned that any lapse in cybersecurity could disrupt the delivery of essential online services to Kenyans and called for coordinated efforts among state agencies to ensure cyber stability.

"The digital economy is a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and the Government has already automated more than 19,000 services on the e-Citizen platform," he noted, adding that NC4 is well-equipped to handle any cyber risks that could threaten the country's push for enhanced efficiency and service delivery.

All government departments and agencies are expected to implement strong cybersecurity measures to protect data, secure communication networks, and safeguard sensitive information from cyber threats.