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 Seth Onyango @SethManex

The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) says it will conduct periodic audit of Huawei 5G system to safeguard consumers against data breach.

CA caution comes on the back of escalating backlash against the Chinese technology equipment firm after the US warned that their systems could be used for cyber espionage. 

US officials alleged they have evidence that the tech giant has had access to back-doors inside mobile carrier networks for more than 10 years.

Subsequently, the officials have ratcheted up pressure on its allies to ban Huawei from supplying infrastructure for 5G networks going forward due to what they say is the possibility of widespread, Beijing-backed espionage.

But speaking to Business Hub, CA director general Mercy Wanjau down-played the concerns, asserting the issue was diplomatic and assured Huawei’s network will be put under constant scrutiny.

Vendor audit

“As a baseline, any enterprise that deploys a system provided by whichever vendor will be subjected to audit, to be able to verify its capacities, parameters and its vulnerabilities and then take appropriate action,” she said.

“It will be subjected to audit in order to ensure quality assurance, to make sure it does what is expected,” added Wanjau.

She revealed that the authority was working on 5G licensing and rollout road-map, with seven firms having ongoing trials before deployment of the technology.