Cybersecurity—a National Priority The expansive and dynamic nature of ICT creates a wide and deep range of challenges. The Government of Kenya is addressing these challenges to provide for cybersecurity at the national level, enabling economic growth and protecting the interests of the Kenyan people. In evaluating the potential paths forward, the Government of Kenya identified several key challenges resulting directly from emerging risk areas inside Kenya, the East Africa Community (EAC), and internationally. By addressing these risks and understanding the impact of Kenya’s cybersecurity efforts, technology growth and economic development will be significantly enabled by cybersecurity implementation. Both financial and non-financial institutions need high awareness of the need for secure online systems. This will ensure a secure online environment for conducting business and other economic activities. Encourage the use of security standards while designing, building and deploying IT systems. (source: http://www.ict.go.ke/docs/MasterPlan2017.pdf) Risks and challenges can manifest from various sources—even from those areas where technology is enabling significant growth and prosperity. For example—by providing people with the ability to access and exchange information, they become dependent on that information to socialized with family and friends, conduct business, and feel connected in our modern world. The National Cyber Security Master Plan addresses emerging cyber risks and the challenges that the ICT may face in the future. Recognizing this and understanding the critical role ICT plays in Kenya’s economy, the Government of Kenya developed the National Cybersecurity Strategy (Strategy). The Strategy supports the three pillars of the Vision 2030 and supports other national initiatives such as the National ICT Master Plan1 (see Figure 2). The purpose of the Strategy is to clearly define Kenya’s cybersecurity vision, goals, and objectives to secure the nation’s cyberspace, while continuing to promote the use of ICT to enable Kenya’s economic growth. Figure 2: Cybersecurity Strategy Benefits 1 The National ICT Master Plan strategic goals are: (1) every citizen connected; (2) Kenya is Africa’s ICT hub; (3) public service for all; and (4) a society built on knowledge. February 2014 5