Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has called for stronger cybersecurity measures and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) as Kenya accelerates its digital transformation.
Speaking at the Safaricom Cyber Security Summit 2026, held under the theme “Harnessing AI, Strengthening Security,” Kabogo said technological innovation must be accompanied by safeguards to protect citizens, businesses, institutions and critical digital infrastructure.
He noted that AI presents opportunities to improve service delivery, enhance business efficiency and strengthen the detection of cyber threats, but warned that the technology also introduces new security risks.
Among the emerging threats he highlighted were AI-powered fraud, phishing attacks, identity impersonation and manipulated digital content, which can undermine public trust and expose individuals and organisations to financial and privacy risks.
Kabogo called for responsible AI adoption guided by strong governance, accountability, human oversight and effective data protection frameworks.
“As the Ministry of ICT & The Digital Economy, we remain committed to strengthening Kenya’s cybersecurity ecosystem through effective policies, implementation of our national cybersecurity strategy, responsible AI adoption and collaboration with industry stakeholders,” Kabogo said.
He emphasised the need for cooperation between government agencies, private companies, regulators, academic institutions and citizens to anticipate cyber threats and strengthen the country’s resilience against evolving attacks.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted child online safety as a priority, citing concerns over cyberbullying, online exploitation and harmful content generated using artificial intelligence.
He said protecting children and building trust in digital platforms should remain central to Kenya’s efforts to expand the use of technology.
The summit brought together stakeholders from the technology and telecommunications sectors to discuss cybersecurity challenges and the role of AI in strengthening digital security.
Safaricom Group Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa was among those who attended the event.
Kabogo’s remarks come as organisations increasingly integrate AI into business operations and public services, raising questions about data protection, digital accountability and the capacity to respond to sophisticated cyber threats.
The effectiveness of Kenya’s cybersecurity efforts will depend on the implementation of relevant policies, cooperation between stakeholders and the ability of institutions to keep pace with emerging technological risks.