National Security Report: AI‑Enabled Cyber Risk Rising

NAIROBI, Kenya — A newly tabled national security report has revealed that Kenyan government agencies faced 114 cyber‑attack attempts between January and August 2024, targeting critical information infrastructure. The findings, presented in Parliament as part of the Annual Report on the State of National Security, underscore the growing risk to public systems as more government services migrate online. Nation Africa
According to the report, rapid digitisation has left many institutions exposed to a range of cyber threats. These include malware attacks, social engineering, online fraud, and even espionage, all made easier by widespread poor cyber hygiene among both users and some government systems. Nation Africa+2TechTrendsKE+2 The document also highlights the dual-edged role of artificial intelligence: while it helps modernise systems, AI is increasingly being exploited by cybercriminals to enhance their attacks. Nation Africa
In response, President William Ruto described the cyber landscape as volatile, noting that anonymity for attackers and lagging defensive capabilities continue to pose serious challenges. Nation Africa+1 To counter these threats, the government has fast‑tracked regulatory reforms, including the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Management Regulations (2024), and strengthened the Kenya Computer Incident Response Team (KE‑CIRT) under the Communications Authority. Nation Africa+1
Public reaction has been mixed. Cybersecurity experts have welcomed the government’s multi-agency approach and emphasis on policy reform but warn that regulations are only part of the solution. They argue that Kenya must heavily invest in education on cyber hygiene, continuous threat monitoring, and modern detection tools to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated attackers. Meanwhile, citizens are being urged to adopt basic precautions — from strong passwords to regular software updates — as state systems remain enticing targets for criminals.
Looking ahead, Kenya appears committed to bolstering its cyber defences. The government plans to deepen partnerships with international cybersecurity agencies and develop local expertise in emerging technologies. As more services move online — from e‑citizen portals to critical infrastructure platforms — the stakes are higher than ever. The coming months will test whether Kenya can turn these early warning signs into sustained resilience in cyberspace.