Dear Listers,

Kenya has had its fair share of high profile cyber threats, hacking etc, the latest being the alleged compromise of the IFMIS system at NYS/Ministry of Devolution. The country and Africa at large is making efforts to assure cyber-security. These include among others her involvement in the Africa Union Convention on Cybercrime and a proposal for a Cybercrime law, an initiative led by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Significant financial resources have also been earmarked by government for security and cyber security in particular. There are also partnerships between government and private sector in deploying cybersecurity centres.

The private sector has employed practical measures to protect their businesses. However, businesses such as mobile money providers and banks have been shy to divulge their cyber security concerns to protect their interests.

Civil society on the other hand has raised concern about the line between protecting the cyber space and creating a facilitative environment for innovators as well as protecting the rights of users.

Are our efforts at deterring cyber-crime the correct way to assure cyber security? Are fears about a partnership between government and private sector and the general fears about stifling innovation and human rights in the name of cybersecurity legitimate? Are there other practical approaches that different stakeholders can take to enhance cyber security?