The Kenyan government remains committed to strengthening digital transformation through investment in secure digital infrastructure and cyber resilience.
Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Stephen Isaboke says cyber security has become a critical pillar in safeguarding the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
Speaking in Naivasha, Wednesday while closing the Cybergames 2026 competition, Isaboke said, “Technology alone cannot secure our cyberspace; our people remain the most important line of defence. That is why investment in skills development and workforce readiness is essential.”
The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blanár, senior government officials, diplomats, cyber security experts, university representatives and participants drawn from institutions across the country.
“As our digital infrastructure expands and productivity accelerates through digital transformation, this must be supported by strong cyber capabilities,” the PS said.
He observed that cyber security was no longer optional, but a necessity for protecting critical digital assets and services that support the country’s economy.
“Cyber security is around safeguarding our digital assets. Celebrating excellence in cyber talent is therefore not only about recognising achievement, but also about investing in security and resilience in our digital future,” Isaboke stated.
The PS noted that Kenya’s growing reliance on digital systems, including mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa, made protection of cyber infrastructure increasingly important.
“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 revealed that the government was seeking to broaden cooperation with Slovakia beyond the current cyber security partnership into wider areas of digital collaboration.
He said Kenya’s digital economy was now a key driver of national growth, adding that partnerships with countries such as Slovakia would help the country realize its digital transformation agenda.
The PS challenged young participants to pursue careers in cyber security, describing the field as one of the most marketable professions globally.
“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 said.
He encouraged universities, government agencies and private sector players to continue investing in cyber security education, research and innovation.
Blanár praised the growing partnership between Kenya and Slovakia, noting that the Cyber Game initiative had become a practical example of bilateral cooperation in cyber security and skills development.
“The fact that this year’s edition attracted more than 600 active players, more than double compared to last year, is truly impressive. It clearly shows the growing interest of young Kenyans in technology, innovation and cyber security,” said Blanár.
He noted that when Slovakia and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cyber security cooperation in 2024, the intention was to establish practical collaboration through training, expert exchange and coordinated initiatives.
“What started as expert-level cooperation has today grown into an initiative that directly engages hundreds of young people across Kenya,” he added.
The Slovak minister expressed pride that Kenya had become the first African country to implement a national version of the Cyber Game programme, describing it as an important platform for nurturing future cyber security experts and innovators.
The Cyber Game Kenya 2026 competition brought together participants from universities, government institutions, the private sector and innovation hubs, who were tested on simulated cyber-attack and defence scenarios designed to strengthen practical cyber security skills.
The event concluded with an award ceremony recognising outstanding participants for excellence in cyber defence and digital innovation.
by Paskal Osonga and Lilian Gichohi
