Stakeholders in Kenya’s technology and governance sectors have underscored the urgent need to strengthen digital trust as the country accelerates its transition to a fully digitized economy.
Speaking during the ongoing ISACA Kenya annual conference in Mombasa, experts emphasized that trust in digital systems is now the backbone of government services, business operations and everyday communication.
“Every aspect of our lives today including how we relate, communicate, and conduct business relies on digital platforms. We must assure users that these systems will be available when needed, that their data is secure, their privacy protected, and the integrity of information maintained,” said ISACA Kenya chapter president Bonface Asiligwa.
The conference, themed “securing tomorrow’s digital future,” marked a shift in focus from traditional cybersecurity controls to a broader, more user-centered concept of digital trust. This includes system reliability, resilience, and user confidence.
ISACA Kenya highlighted its role in advancing this agenda through the development of IT governance frameworks, cybersecurity standards, and professional certifications.
“We are moving beyond just security controls to building resilience. Organizations must be able to recover quickly from disruptions because technology is now the lifeline of every enterprise,” Asiligwa noted.
Participants said the conference aims to equip professionals in IT, risk, audit, governance, and cybersecurity with practical skills to implement trust-driven systems within their organizations.
On the policy front, the government’s efforts in strengthening digital governance and data protection were acknowledged, particularly the establishment of a functional Data Protection Commission and increased investment in digital public services.
“The government is investing heavily in digital platforms to provide citizens with 24/7 access to services. What is critical now is ensuring that citizens trust these platforms,” he added.
Experts also stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in shaping data protection policies and regulatory frameworks.
“The private sector must align with government regulations while actively participating in policy development. This collaboration is key to fostering trust in digital services,” said Asiligwa.
Global experts at the forum warned that emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), present both opportunities and significant risks.
“AI is a double-edged sword. While it drives innovation and improves lives, it is also being exploited for cyberattacks and fraud. Even a single click on a phishing link can have serious consequences,” said Ramona Ratiu, Global Head of Cyber Resilience Testing Program at Zurich Insurance.
Ratiu emphasized the need for strong AI governance frameworks, noting that organizations are rapidly adopting AI without fully addressing associated risks.
“We need regulation, but also collaboration. Regulators, academia, and industry must work together to create practical frameworks that protect users without slowing innovation,” she said.
International delegate Mark Thomas from the United States echoed the importance of trust over compliance.
“You can secure systems, protect privacy, and pass audits. But if your customers don’t trust you, none of those matters,” he said.
Thomas urged African countries to stay ahead of emerging technologies such as agentic AI and quantum computing, warning that delayed response could expose systems to new vulnerabilities.
“Every emerging technology eventually becomes mainstream. We must pay attention early and prepare,” he said.
He added that adopting strong risk governance and management practices supported by AI tools can significantly enhance an organization’s ability to detect and respond to threats.
As Kenya continues to expand its digital infrastructure, stakeholders at the conference agreed that building and maintaining trust will determine the success of the country’s digital transformation.
“Digital trust is no longer optional. It is the foundation upon which the entire digital economy depends,” added Thomas.
By Chari Suche
