Parliament approves Kenya’s National Cybersecurity Agency
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 22, 2026Kenya has moved to strengthen its digital security after Parliament approved the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA).
The approval follows the adoption of the National Cybersecurity Agency Order, 2026, issued by President William Ruto under the State Corporations Act. The new agency will coordinate national cybersecurity efforts and protect Kenya’s critical digital infrastructure.
In a statement released on Monday, June 22, 2026, the ministry said the agency will serve as Kenya’s central regulatory and technical body on cybersecurity matters.
“The National Cybersecurity Agency will coordinate all national cybersecurity efforts and strengthen the protection of the country’s digital infrastructure,” the ministry said.
The government said the creation of the agency comes at a time when Kenya faces growing cyber threats as more services move online.
Over the last decade, Kenya has expanded digital services in banking, mobile money, e-government, telecommunications, education and healthcare. The growth has helped the country become one of Africa’s leading digital economies.
However, the expansion has also increased the risk of cybercrime, ransomware attacks, online fraud, identity theft and data breaches.
Officials said the National Cybersecurity Agency will help Kenya prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats affecting both public and private sector systems.
The agency will oversee the implementation of national cybersecurity strategies across different sectors. It will also audit and certify the cybersecurity resilience of critical information infrastructure.
According to the Ministry, the agency will manage the National Cybersecurity Operations Centre and support sector-based cybersecurity centres across the country.
It will also conduct technical assessments of digital networks, identify emerging vulnerabilities and issue technical advisories to organisations and government institutions.
The government said the agency will coordinate responses to cybersecurity incidents and strengthen cooperation between security institutions, regulators, businesses and international partners.
“The establishment of the National Cybersecurity Agency reflects the government’s recognition that cybersecurity is no longer solely a technical issue but a strategic national security, economic and governance priority,” the statement said.
National digital security
Kenya has recorded a rise in cyber attacks in recent years as internet use and digital transactions continue to grow. Public institutions, banks, mobile service providers and businesses have increasingly become targets of cyber criminals.
Experts have repeatedly warned that weak cybersecurity systems could expose sensitive data, disrupt services and damage public confidence in digital platforms.
The government believes the National Cybersecurity Agency will help close gaps in Kenya’s cybersecurity systems and improve coordination between agencies.
The NCSA will also establish a Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence to promote research, innovation and skills development in the sector.
The centre will support training programmes, professional certification and technical capacity-building to address the country’s cybersecurity skills gap.
The government said collaboration will remain a key part of the agency’s work.
The agency will work with government institutions, the private sector, universities, development partners and international cybersecurity networks to improve digital security standards.
Its board will include representatives from key institutions such as the Ministry of Interior, the National Treasury, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service, the National Intelligence Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Representatives from academia and the private sector will also sit on the board.
The government said a secure digital environment remains important for protecting citizens’ data, supporting businesses and strengthening public trust in digital systems.
Officials added that the agency will support Kenya’s wider digital transformation agenda and help position the country as a regional technology and innovation hub.
“As Kenya continues to expand access to digital services, the government remains committed to building robust cybersecurity capabilities that protect national interests while supporting innovation and economic growth,” the ministry said.
The government has now called on public institutions, businesses and other stakeholders to work closely with the National Cybersecurity Agency to build a safer and more resilient digital ecosystem.