Kenya Launches KSh 454 Million EU-Backed Cybersecurity Project to Combat Rising Digital Threats
Kenya has unveiled a KSh 454 million (€3 million) European Union-funded cybersecurity initiative aimed at fortifying the country’s digital infrastructure amid a surge in cyberattacks. The Kenya Cyber Resilience (KCR) Project, set to run for 36 months, targets vulnerabilities in government systems that have already caused billions of shillings in economic losses. With the rapid digitization of public services, officials say strengthening cybersecurity is no longer optional but essential for national stability and economic growth.
The launch follows a series of high-profile cyberattacks less than a year ago, which disabled and defaced multiple government websites, including State House and key ministries. These incidents exposed weaknesses in online identity systems and digital service platforms, highlighting the urgent need for robust cyber defenses. “This project was developed through extensive consultations to ensure it responds to real institutional needs and priorities,” said Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy.
Structured around three main pillars—legal and institutional reforms, operational capacity building, and public awareness—the KCR Project seeks to create a cohesive national cybersecurity ecosystem. Officials emphasize that cyber resilience is not just a technical issue but a national priority, crucial for safeguarding democratic institutions and enabling economic growth. “Cyber resilience is the guardian of our democratic values,” added Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Stephen Isaboke.
The urgency of the program is underscored by recent statistics from the Africa Cybersecurity Report 2025, which recorded KSh 29.9 billion in losses from cyberattacks last year. Online fraud, phishing, and increasingly sophisticated AI-enabled attacks accounted for the majority of incidents, targeting financial institutions and critical public systems. The impact of these attacks has been both financial and reputational, with some breaches displaying extremist propaganda on official sites.
Funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France in partnership with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), the KCR Project represents a strategic investment in Kenya’s digital future. By enhancing legal frameworks, strengthening operational capacity, and promoting cybersecurity awareness, the program aims to protect citizens, businesses, and government services from evolving cyber threats while building public trust in the country’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
source: keyanwallstreet