By Heizel Gathoni
In a productive meeting with US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya, key bilateral concerns were addressed, with a particular focus on cybersecurity and related security measures in light of Kenya’s expanding Digital Economy and online platforms.
“We discussed a range of bilateral concerns, key among them cybercrime and related security especially in the wake of the expansion of our Digital Economy and online platforms,” PS Dr. Omollo said.
In a meeting between Principal Secretary for State Department for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo and U.S Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya they discussed the manipulation of digital platforms during anti-government protests.
“The weaponization of technology and social media to spread disinformation, hatred, online harassment, and malicious propaganda evident during the recent protests poses a significant security concern,” the PS noted.
During their meeting, Dr. Omollo and Under Secretary Zeya addressed the urgent need for robust measures to counteract these threats, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democratic processes and public discourse from malicious interference.
Recognizing the challenges posed by cyber threats, both parties agreed on the necessity of cooperative efforts to safeguard digital infrastructure and protect citizens from cyber-related crimes.
Moreover, the officials stressed that these organizations must adhere strictly to Kenyan regulations concerning transparency and accountability.
“It is imperative that these organizations comply with Kenya laws regarding transparency and accountability for both domestic and international funding,” the officials added.
Additionally, the meeting explored strategies for enhancing civic education to better equip citizens with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.
Both Dr. Omollo and Under Secretary Zeya agreed on the necessity of fostering public awareness about the ethical use of social media.
They also committed to collaborative efforts aimed at developing policies and programs that support responsible digital practices.
This engagement reflects a shared commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the digital age, while ensuring that civil society’s positive contributions continue to be recognized and supported.