By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 21 November 2025 – The Government has officially launched the 2025 National Cybersecurity Conference and "FIRST" Technical Colloquium, a major gathering of cybersecurity experts, policymakers, and international partners aimed at bolstering the country’s defences against evolving digital threats.
FIRST refers to the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Friday, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke, emphasised that cybersecurity is fundamental to Kenya’s ambition of becoming a digitally driven economy.
“This conference is not merely an ideas-exchange forum but a platform to deliver concrete, actionable measures that will strengthen national cyber resilience, improve threat-intelligence sharing, upskill our workforce, and align policies with global benchmarks,” Mr Isaboke said at Movenpick Hotel Westlands, Nairobi.
He praised the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the National Kenya Computer Incident Response Team – Coordination Centre for their ongoing work to enhance cyber readiness and maintain public trust in digital services.
The three-day event has drawn delegates from government ministries, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international bodies, including the FIRST.
Delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia and North America are discussing emerging malware trends, cloud-security gaps, artificial-intelligence risks and regional cooperation on cyber incidents.
They are examining emerging cyber risks, sharing global best practice, and forging stronger regional and international partnerships.
More from Kenya
A FIRST representative hailed Kenya’s leadership in cyber governance, saying the partnership strengthens Africa’s preparedness and deepens cooperation in responding to cross-border cyberattacks.
Mr Isaboke highlighted the rapid growth of Kenya’s digital economy, which now supports government services, financial transactions, e-commerce, and remote working.
“As we roll out the Digital Superhighway and extend connectivity nationwide, we must guarantee that these platforms are secure, resilient, and trustworthy for citizens and businesses alike,” he stated.
The PS also stressed the need to equip young Kenyans with advanced digital and cybersecurity skills to prepare them for future opportunities in an increasingly technology-dependent world.
Reaffirming Kenya’s leadership in East Africa’s digital transformation, he called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to protect critical infrastructure and essential services from cyber threats.
The conference runs until Sunday and is expected to produce recommendations that will shape Kenya’s national cybersecurity strategy in the coming years.
