Sign in Subscribe
International cooperation

Kenya Establishes National Cybersecurity Committee to Strengthen Digital Defences

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (CMCA) of 2018 has led to the establishment of the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) to coordinate national cybersecurity efforts. Headed by the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, NC4 brings together key state institutions to tackle computer misuse and cybercrimes. The committee will coordinate national efforts, facilitate international cooperation, and advise the National Security Council on cybersecurity issues. With a focus on emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and 5G, NC4 aims to strengthen Kenya's digital defences and promote research, training, and public awareness on cybersecurity matters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) has been established under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (CMCA) of 2018 to coordinate national cybersecurity matters.
  • NC4 will coordinate national efforts for the timely and effective detection, prevention, response, investigation, and prosecution of computer misuse and cybercrimes.
  • The committee brings together key state institutions involved in national security, ICT, intelligence, and financial systems, including the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service.
  • Other members include the Director-General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, the Director of the NC4 Secretariat, and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.
  • Co-opted members are drawn from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Financial Reporting Centre, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, the ICT Authority, and the Assets Recovery Agency.
  • NC4 will advise the National Security Council on computer and cybercrime issues, provide guidance to the government on security aspects related to critical information infrastructure and emerging technologies, and identify and designate critical information infrastructure.
  • The committee will also formulate cybersecurity codes of practice and performance standards, oversee compliance by infrastructure owners, and evaluate cybersecurity audit and compliance reports.

Statistics:

  • 15th October 2023: President William Ruto assented to the amended Cybercrimes Act.
  • 10+ members are involved in the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4).
  • 6+ state institutions are represented in NC4, including the Ministries of Interior and National Administration, and Information, Communications and The Digital Economy.
  • 5+ emerging technologies are recognized by NC4, including blockchain, AI, 5G, and the Internet of Things.

Sources:

  • "National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) Established to Strengthen Kenya's Cyber Defences." Kenya Government Press Release.
  • "President William Ruto Assents to Amended Cybercrimes Act." Kenya Government Press Release.
  • "Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (CMCA) of 2018." Kenya Government Legislation.

Read more