ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo
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Information, Communications and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has emphasized that there was no breach of data security during the recent attempted cyber attack.
While speaking at the commissioning of two Jitume Digital Laboratories in Kangema and Mathioya on Monday, July 31, Owalo explained that the hackers who targeted both government and private institutions were unsuccessful in accessing or interfering with Kenyan data stored in various digital platforms. Owalo said the attack was unsuccessful due to the security system on the platform blocking the invasion. He added that as the government increasingly offers its services online, it will need to prioritize the fight against cybercrime to ensure it doesn't affect service delivery to the public.
“I want to assure Kenyans that their data captured in the digital platform is very secure and has not been interfered with,” said Owalo.
Additionally, he lauded the government for investing a significant amount of money in various digital programs to provide opportunities for youth to generate income. Owalo said the ministry has established digital laboratories across the country to improve digital literacy and create job opportunities with the goal of reaching one million youths. John Kiarie, the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on communication, information, and technology, stated that Kenya has a law that protects the data on digital platforms.
The CS further disclosed plans to introduce digital identity cards for accessing online government services. During the release of the ministry's one-year Status Report on Monday, Owalo clarified that the government would not compel citizens to obtain digital identity cards. He added that Kenyans would have the option to choose whether or not they want to use the digital IDs.