University of Nairobi hosts CyberWeek Africa 2024: Advancing Cybersecurity in Africa

The 2nd edition of Cyberweek Africa 2024 commenced at the University of Nairobi from 23rd to 27th September 2024. As the digital age advances, so do the dangers that come with it, making cybersecurity a crucial issue that requires a multi-sectoral approach to mitigate growing threats. This event marks a new era of collaboration between industry, academia, and government in the fight against cybercrime. As the digital age advances, so do the dangers that come with it—making cybersecurity a crucial issue that requires a multi-sectoral approach to mitigate the growing threats.

In a keynote address, Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, emphasized the importance of a robust cybersecurity framework in safeguarding Kenya's digital future. As chairperson of the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4), Dr. Omollo warned that the rapid increase in technological dependence also amplifies the risks posed by malicious actors. "As we become more reliant on technology, the threats we face grow more sophisticated. It is therefore essential that we build strong cybersecurity capabilities and remain prepared to face these challenges head-on," he asserted, urging a unified effort to combat cybercrime. His call to action focused on collaboration across the government, private sector, and international stakeholders to enhance Kenya’s cyber defenses.

Echoing these sentiments, Prof. Ayub Gitau, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) representing the Vice Chancellor Prof. M Jesang Hutchinson, lauded the diverse array of participants attending the conference and underscored the university's leadership role in promoting innovation and technological advancement in the region. With a special focus on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), he pointed out the importance of developing a skilled workforce capable of thriving in a future increasingly defined by digital economies.

Speaking on behalf of Prof. Hutchinson, Prof. Gitau highlighted the university's Big 5 Agenda, emphasizing its commitment to innovation, AI, and the creation of green jobs in the digital economy. He stressed the importance of partnerships between academia and industry in ensuring that students and other stakeholders are well-equipped to meet the demands of the future.

One of the event's standout accomplishments was the launch of the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence earlier this year at the Department of Computer Science. This center, a result of a collaborative effort between CyberPro Global, the Kenya School of Government, and NC4, serves as both a research hub and a training ground for cybersecurity professionals. Prof. Kahonge, Chair of the Department of Computer Science, emphasized how the center bridges the gap between theory and practical application. He commended the university’s students for their exceptional talent, noting that they are not only preparing to enter the workforce but also shaping the future of cybersecurity and AI.

Beyond individual success, Cyberweek Africa 2024 is about the collective effort to secure Kenya’s digital infrastructure. The event will host a series of discussions, workshops, and presentations aimed at enhancing cybersecurity policies, improving industry practices, and fostering workforce development. It will also address emerging threats, such as state-sponsored cyberattacks, with experts exploring new ways to safeguard both government systems and the private sector.

As Dr. Omollo noted, the threats to national security, economic stability, and public safety are not hypothetical but real, necessitating action from all sectors. He further stressed the importance of long-term capacity-building initiatives, such as the development of cybersecurity centers of excellence and the enactment of new regulations, which form the backbone of Kenya’s defense against cybercrime.

Cyberweek Africa 2024 has not only provided a platform for knowledge-sharing and innovation but also set the stage for Kenya to lead the continent in cybersecurity development. The vision articulated by the conference’s leaders—of a future where Kenya can develop homegrown cybersecurity solutions rather than relying on foreign technology—is both ambitious and within reach, thanks to the talent and collaboration on display at this year’s event.

As the discussions and workshops progress, the importance of continuous engagement, regulatory clarity, and coordinated efforts across all stakeholders will remain key. Cyberweek Africa 2024 serves as a beacon of hope, signifying that with collective action, Africa can rise to meet the challenges of the digital age.