The Ministry of Interior has appointed a new task force on cyber security amid calls from the public who are demanding the government stop wasteful spending. President William Ruto’s administration is under scrutiny from Kenyans who want accountability and transparency in the government’s imprudent spending.

 In a gazette notice, former Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki appointed the task force to carry out a comprehensive review and audit of the country’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.

Kindiki appointed Mark Matunga as the Chairperson of the twenty-one-member taskforce. They have been appointed to serve for three years effective from June 14. According to the former CS, the task force will undertake a comprehensive review and audit of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act identify any gaps and inconsistencies and propose specific reviews.

 It shall also identify all areas of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Regulations 2024 that require implementation and develop a comprehensive implementation plan and matrix.

Institutional framework The team has also been tasked with proposing any new policy, legal and institutional framework that may be required to implement the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act and the Regulations 2024 and developing the National Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Plan.

It is also to provide technical support in the design of Cybersecurity Operation Centres at the national, sector and critical infrastructure operator levels.

The taskforce shall also support the setup and operationalisation of the Cybersecurity desks at Police Posts and Police Stations as provided for in the Regulations 2024, support capacity building and training required in the implementation of the Regulations and develop a National Cybersecurity Policy