ICT ministry seeking public comments on Cyber Security Framework MoU

The Kenyan Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology is calling upon citizens to give their comments on the Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Security Framework, developed by the Northern Corridor Integration Project member states, in a bid to improve it before it is signed.

The announcement was made on the Ministry’s official website, and was preceded by a statement that informed on: what exactly the Memorandum of Understanding is, when it will be signed, where it will be signed and it informs people on where exactly they may send their comments.

“The Northern Corridor Integration Project member states (Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda) have developed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Security Framework for cooperation and corroboration in prevention and responding to evolving cyber security threats. The memorandum is scheduled for signing in mid May 2015 during the next Northern Corridor Integration Summit in Kampala,” the statement reads.

In light of this, the Ministry is inviting comments from stakeholders to further improve the contents of the Draft MoU. Written comments can be forwarded to cybersecuritymoict@information.go.ke.

This announcement follows a similar move by the Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Dr Fred Matiang’i, earlier this year, where by he signed an MoU with his South Sudan counterpart Hon Rebecca Okwachi.

The MoU is meant to ensure that ICT becomes a prevalent component of communication between the two countries and is part of the East African Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Programme.

The project will include the laying of the fibre optic cable alongside the road to be constructed from Eldoret to Nadapal up to Juba that will permit connectivity between Kenya and South Sudan.

On his part, Dr Matiang’i stressed the importance of the connectivity between the East African countries and said that Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have already committed themselves to the same through the North Corridor Transport Infractructure Project. He also underscored Kenya’s commitment towards the integration process being spearheaded by H.E Uhuru Kenyatta.

Hon. Okwachi explained that implementation of this project is important since it will improve communication, bring about development that will impact positively on people’s lives, creating peace and stability and connecting the two countries.

The fibre optic integration will be stretching across 600 kilometre to Juba and is expected to be completed in 2022.

Its funding will be done by the World Bank as confirmed by the representatives during the signing ceremony.

Witnessing the signing was the Principal Secretary ICT, Joseph Tiampati, Minister of Communication from South Sudan, Eng Juma Stephen Lugga, ICTA CEO, Victor Kyalo and other senior Ministry officials.