Kenya will collaborate with the US government in the areas of digital economy and Cyber security to enhance security and protection of information and information assets in the cyber space and create public confidence in the use of Internet, Cabinet Secretary for ICT Mr. Joe has said.Kenya will collaborate with the US government in the areas of digital economy and Cyber security to enhance security and protection of information and information assets in the cyber space and create public confidence in the use of Internet, Cabinet Secretary for ICT Mr. Joe has said.

Mr. Mucheru noted that while innovations such as mobile money transfer has enabled Kenya to get connect and globally engage, the opportunity presents challenges in the security and protection of information assets in the cyber space.

Mr. Mucheru said the key areas of collaboration included information sharing between the two Countries and capacity building to enhance effective and efficient response to cyber threats and incidents.

Speaking during the launch of by-lateral cyber policy and digital economy dialogue between  Kenya and the  US governments at the Laico Regency hotel today, Mr. Mucheru pointed out that Kenya has made gains  in the management of cyber security through establishment of the Kenya Computer Incidents and Response Team (KE-CIRT). He explained that the team coordinates and responds to cyber threats and also acts as a national point of contact on cyber security issues.“We see the United States as key partner in the implementation of our ICT sector policy, and collaboration in areas of mutual interest such as mobile first which aims at availing ICT access to all Kenya,” said Mr. Mucheru.

The Cabinet Secretary added that there was need to collaborate in skills development and innovation to jumpstart a self-supporting ecosystem that will produce world-class research and products. Mr. Mucheru proposed for an engagement to be under-taken with local universities to assist in the development of a business model and structure to facilitate development of local enterprise that are globally competitive.

Those who attended the meeting were US ambassador Robert Codec, ICT and Innovation Principal Secretaries Victor Kyalo, Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Sammy Itemere, PS for University Education Collette Suda  among others

By Cheruiyot Korir – June 22, 2017