The rapid adoption of digital technologies across government institutions, businesses and critical infrastructure has heightened the need for stronger information security measures to protect sensitive data from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Against this backdrop, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) are set to co-host the 6th annual Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) conference from June 29 to July 3.
The conference, to be held in Naivasha, will bring together government officials, ICT professionals, cybersecurity experts, regulators, private sector leaders and technology solution providers to discuss emerging threats and strategies for strengthening Kenya's cyber resilience.
According to the conference concept note, the event has established itself as a premier platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders in the information security ecosystem.
"The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore innovative solutions to emerging cybersecurity challenges," it states.
The organisers note that the conference comes at a time when cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent, exposing both public and private institutions to significant risks.
Recent threat intelligence reports cited in the concept note indicate that Kenya has recorded billions of cyber threat incidents in recent months, including ransomware attacks, artificial intelligence-driven phishing schemes, business email compromise, distributed denial-of-service attacks and the exploitation of vulnerable systems.
The document identifies information security as a critical component of organisational governance and operational resilience, noting that institutions must protect data, maintain public trust and ensure business continuity in an increasingly digital environment.
It further highlights internationally recognised standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 as key frameworks for identifying, assessing and managing information security risks.
The five-day event will feature pre-conference workshops, technical training sessions, keynote addresses, panel discussions, live demonstrations and exhibitions by cybersecurity solution providers.
Organisers expect participation from national and county governments, state agencies, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, non-governmental organisations and academia.
The conference seeks to promote strategic engagement between decision-makers and technology providers, showcase cutting-edge security solutions, build technical capacity among ICT teams and encourage organisations to adopt internationally recognised information security standards.
It will also provide a platform for cybersecurity firms to demonstrate innovations, interact with potential clients and forge partnerships with regulators and industry leaders.
According to the organisers, expected outcomes include increased adoption of innovative security solutions, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, stronger cybersecurity practices across industries and the creation of long-term partnerships aimed at securing Kenya's digital future.
The conference is expected to attract hundreds of delegates from across the country and beyond, underscoring the growing importance of information security in the age of digital technology and data-driven economies.
