In a bid to enhance digital trust and foster growth within the digital economy, a diverse group of ICT industry stakeholders from various countries have gathered in Nairobi for a two-day 2024 National Public Key Infrastructure Forum.
Hosted by the Communications Authority of Kenya, the event has attracted experts from Uganda, Cameroon, India, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, and Ghana to deliberate on strategies for unlocking digital opportunities securely across borders.
Themed “Building Trust in a Digital World: The Future of the NPKI,” the forum, scheduled for the 19th and 20th of March 2024, serves as a crucial platform for key players in the ICT sector, including the ICT Authority, responsible for issuing digital certification subscribers to government entities.
In a statement delivered on behalf of Eliud Owalo, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, emphasized the significance of fostering trust while promoting connectivity not only within Kenya but also among participating nations.
Addressing the audience, PS Kisiang’ani underscored the importance of securing digital infrastructure to pave the way for a thriving digital economy in Kenya, enabling citizens to leverage the vast opportunities presented by the digital realm.
The government’s commitment to expanding internet access was highlighted, with the rollout of 8,419 kilometers of fiber and 2,261 free Wi-Fi hotspots aimed at connecting more Kenyans to the online world.
PS Kisiang’ani called for increased collaboration within the cybersecurity sector to establish frameworks that facilitate secure digital transactions and platforms.
Philip Irode, Deputy Director of Information Security at the ICT Authority, stressed the need for collaboration among certification agencies to streamline the issuance and recognition of digital signatures, emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation in ensuring the validity and security of digital transactions.
The National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI) system, crucial for creating, storing, and distributing digital certificates to verify online identities, was highlighted as a key component in enhancing digital trust and security.
As more government services transition to digital platforms, the proper identification and verification of digital signatures have become paramount, with over 15,000 government services already accessible through the e-citizen platform.
Experts at the forum called for the development of standards by regulators and standardization bodies to promote harmonization and interoperability of digital innovations, emphasizing the importance of a secure and trusted digital ecosystem for sustainable growth in the global economy.
