Nairobi: The Kenyan government remains committed to strengthening digital transformation through investment in secure digital infrastructure and cyber resilience. Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Stephen Isaboke emphasizes that cybersecurity has become a critical pillar in safeguarding the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
According to Kenya News Agency, Isaboke highlighted the importance of skills development and workforce readiness in securing cyberspace, making a case for investment beyond technology alone. Speaking at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete Campus, during the closing of the Cybergames 2026 competition, Isaboke stated, “Technology alone cannot secure our cyberspace; our people remain the most important line of defence.”
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blan¡r, along with senior government officials, diplomats, cybersecurity experts, university representatives, and participants from various institutions. “As our digital infrastructure expands and productivity accelerates through digital transformation, this must be supported by strong cyber capabilities,” Isaboke added.
The PS emphasized that cybersecurity is essential for protecting critical digital assets and services that support Kenya’s economy. He noted Kenya’s increasing reliance on digital systems, such as mobile money platforms like M-Pesa, making the protection of cyber infrastructure crucial. “If you took down M-Pesa, the country would almost come to a standstill. It is therefore a very critical infrastructure that we must protect,” he said.
Isaboke also revealed plans to broaden cooperation with Slovakia into wider areas of digital collaboration, noting that Kenya’s digital economy is a key driver of national growth. He encouraged young participants to pursue careers in cybersecurity, citing the field’s global demand. “The world is experiencing a growing demand for cyber professionals. Your participation today positions you for career growth because the world is your stage,” he remarked.
Blan¡r praised the partnership between Kenya and Slovakia, highlighting the Cyber Game initiative as an example of bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity and skills development. He noted the impressive participation in this year’s competition, which attracted over 600 active players, indicating a growing interest among young Kenyans in technology and innovation.
Highlighting the Memorandum of Understanding on cybersecurity cooperation signed in 2024, Blan¡r remarked on the evolution of expert-level cooperation into an initiative directly engaging hundreds of young people across Kenya. He expressed pride in Kenya being the first African country to implement a national version of the Cyber Game programme, describing it as a vital platform for nurturing future cybersecurity experts and innovators.
The Cyber Game Kenya 2026 competition involved participants from universities, government institutions, the private sector, and innovation hubs, focusing on simulated cyber-attack and defence scenarios to strengthen practical cybersecurity skills. The event concluded with an award ceremony recognizing outstanding participants for excellence in cyber defence and digital innovation.
