Kisumu, Kenya -Kenya’s cyberspace progress and resilience continue to come under heightened threats with the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
To secure the country’s digital future, various security and ICT agencies are now encouraged to foster strong collaboration.
This, however, can be attained by tapping and nurturing young and budding techies: urging them to appropriately use their skills and join the industry en masse.
Other vital measures include putting in place strong regulatory frameworks, effective governance and institutions, protection of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), and Cyber skills development and training.
Furthermore, blocking cybercrime, rapid response to incidents, and leveraging AI for cybersecurity would offer some of the safety nets.
Deepfakes impersonation and Malwarebytes
These are the core issues which are taking centre stage at the ongoing 5th Annual Information Security Management System (ISMS) Conference organised by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the National Cybersecurity Coordinating Committee (NC4) in Kisumu.
Speaking at the event, KEBS Chairman Dr Chris Wamalwa challenged the participants to utilise the opportunity to deeply evaluate the great milestones made in safeguarding our digital space.
“We need to swiftly combat the emerging threats of the fast-evolving smart and advanced technologies,” he stated Wednesday.
He noted that AI is a double-edged sword: “It enhances operations, and predicts analysis, but is open to mis-and disinformation thus posing a huge risk to privacy fences.”
The standards agency, Dr Wamalwa, reiterated that it is committed to providing standardisation, metrology, and conformity assessment services that protect consumers and facilitate trade for a sustainable future.
“Our focus includes creating a regulatory framework for digitalisation and addressing safety in Information Security Management to tackle emerging challenges such as cyber threats.”
He further warned that: “We face serious risks from cyberattacks, privacy breaches, and identity theft.”
Established in 1974, KEBS continues to advocate for cybersecurity standards and holds certifications in the Information Security Management System (ISMS) and Business Continuity Management System (BCMS).
Held under the 2025 Theme, “Strengthening Digital Transformation Through Information Security Management System in an Era of Artificial Intelligence,” it lays emphasis on individual responsibility in cybersecurity.
This is by promoting practices such as using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, recognising phishing attempts, and performing regular updates to secure businesses.
Eng. John Tanui, PS, State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, emphasised that cybersecurity is a great concern in the digitisation implementation.
“We need to be wary of deepfakes impersonation and adaptive malwarebytes due to the digital infrastructure failures,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Dickson Gishiora, Director of Cybersecurity and Audit Control at the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy.
Safe and Ethical Use of AI
According to Dr Wamalwa, KEBS is dedicated to maintaining national trust and supporting Kenya’s development through standards that ensure product quality and safety.
“We recognise the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in industry and aim to develop standards that promote its safe and ethical use, fostering innovation while addressing regulatory and ethical concerns,” he said.
The state agency will prioritise digitalisation to enhance service delivery and productivity.
“Digital health platforms, supported by ISO-aligned protocols, are revolutionising healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. We are ready to collaborate to ensure a secure environment and support the growth of our nation.”
The Director of NC4, Col.Dr James Kimuyu, stressed that stakeholders must urgently upgrade their ISMS to combat the persistent threats of AI-generated tools.
“Besides transforming threat detection and response, AI-driven technologies reshape governance, risk, and compliance,” he said.
This, however, he emphasised can be achieved through a multisectoral-prong approach “to ensure that Kenya has a resilient environment for businesses to thrive.”
