Kenya, EU in deal to boost cybersecurity
ANITA OMWENGA-KNA
Kenya has partnered with the European Union (EU) to launch the Kenya Cyber Resilience (KCR) Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
The project seeks to enhance defenses against evolving digital threats, ensuring that citizens, public institutions, and businesses can operate in a secure and trusted online environment.
By boosting resilience across Kenya’s digital landscape, the KCR Project highlights the country’s commitment to safeguarding its rapid technological transformation.
The initiative is designed to strengthen governance, improve institutional coordination, and raise public awareness of cyber hygiene—laying the foundation for a safer, more inclusive, and reliable cyberspace.
The three-year project, funded by the EU at EUR 3 million, seeks to address critical gaps in governance, operational capacity, and public awareness of cyber hygiene.
It comes at a time when Kenya’s rapid digital transformation—marked by expanded access to e-services, mobile payments, and online platforms—has also heightened exposure to evolving cyber threats.
Speaking at the highlevel launch and first Steering Committee meeting in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Stephen Isaboke (pictured), emphasized that cyber resilience is now a national priority.
He highlighted Kenya’s global leadership in digital innovation, citing achievements such as mobile money, digitization of over 20,000 government services, and the growth of the Silicon Savannah at Konza.
“Cyber resilience is not a tech problem—it is a national priority. It is the prerequisite for our economic growth and the guardian of our democratic values,” Isaboke said, stressing that cyberspace knows no borders and resilience must be built collaboratively.
He noted that the project will refine national cybersecurity policy, support the protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, and facilitate the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Agency to provide strategic leadership during cyber incidents and crises.
Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, reaffirmed that cybersecurity is now foundational to Kenya’s economic growth, public trust, and national stability.
He pointed out that digital public services, financial systems, and communications networks form part of Kenya’s critical infrastructure, making coordinated and standardized frameworks essential.
Tanui explained that the project aligns with Kenya’s National Cybersecurity Strategy and Digital Master Plan, and was developed through extensive stakeholder consultations to ensure responsiveness to institutional needs.
Eng Tanui noted that nationwide cyber hygiene campaigns will be rolled out, with special focus on women, youth, and users of digital public services, supported by an interactive online platform offering training, certification, and awareness tools.
Representing the EU Delegation to Kenya, Jorge Pereiro, Head of Cooperation, reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to supporting Kenya’s digital transformation in a secure and inclusive manner.
“Cybersecurity underpins trust in the digital economy and the delivery of public services. With Kenya’s rapid expansion of e-government services, digital payments, and online platforms, strong cyber resilience is vital to protect critical information infrastructure, maintain service continuity, and safeguard citizens’ rights,” Pereiro said.
The KCR project is being implemented by Expertise France, in partnership with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), and in close coordination with Kenyan authorities to ensure national ownership and sustainability.