Kenya's Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the government is enhancing the country's cybersecurity framework through the newly established National Cybersecurity Agency Board. The board, led by Chairman Dr Martin Koyabe, will improve the country's capacity to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats. Murkomen emphasized that cybersecurity is a fundamental pillar of national security, and the government is committed to protecting critical digital infrastructure, safeguarding public safety, and securing national interests.
The inauguration of the board took place at Harambee House in Nairobi, with Murkomen challenging the members to build the capacity of the National Cybersecurity Operations Centre. This centre will identify, analyze, and coordinate real-time responses to threats. The directive comes as the country faces a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting digital systems. According to data from the Communications Authority of Kenya, Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks reached 72.16 million in the year to June 2026, marking a 114.3 per cent increase from the previous year.
Murkomen acknowledged that Kenya's digital transformation has expanded access to public services, improved efficiency, and created new economic opportunities. However, he cautioned that growing reliance on digital infrastructure has also heightened exposure to sophisticated cyber threats. The government is aware that the country's digital growth has increased its vulnerability to cyber threats, and it is taking steps to mitigate these risks.
The National Cybersecurity Agency, established under Legal Notice No. 89 of 2026, is an autonomous regulatory and technical body mandated to coordinate national cybersecurity matters. The agency will work to protect national interests and constitutional rights, supported by coordinated action involving government institutions and wider society. The government has pledged to support the board as it undertakes its mandate.
Murkomen was accompanied by Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo and other senior ministry officials during the inauguration of the board. The government has affirmed its commitment to supporting the board in its efforts to strengthen Kenya's cybersecurity framework. The board's chairman, Dr Martin Koyabe, will lead the agency in its mission to enhance the country's cybersecurity.
The surge in cyber threats has made it imperative for the government to take proactive measures to protect its digital infrastructure. The Communications Authority of Kenya has reported a significant increase in DDoS attacks, highlighting the need for a robust cybersecurity framework. The government is taking steps to address this issue and ensure the country's digital growth is not hindered by cyber threats.
The government has emphasized that cybersecurity is no longer merely an ICT concern, but a matter of national security, economic security, public safety, and national sovereignty. The National Cybersecurity Agency Board will play a critical role in protecting Kenya's digital infrastructure and ensuring the country's continued growth and development.
Key points
- The Kenyan government is strengthening its cybersecurity framework through the newly established National Cybersecurity Agency Board.
- The board will improve the country's capacity to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats.
- Kenya has seen a 114.3 per cent increase in DDoS attacks, reaching 72.16 million in the year to June 2026.
