NAIROBI, Kenya | October 14, 2026 Telecommunications service provider Safaricom has called for stronger cybersecurity measures and the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) as Kenya faces a growing wave of digital threats, including deepfakes, automated scams, identity impersonation and ransomware attacks.
The company made the call on Wednesday during the fourth annual Safaricom Cybersecurity Summit in Nairobi, which brought together leaders from across Kenya’s digital ecosystem to explore ways of strengthening the country’s cyber resilience.
Held under the theme “Harnessing AI, Strengthening Security,” the summit examined how organisations can leverage artificial intelligence to enhance digital security while addressing the emerging risks associated with the rapidly evolving technology.
The discussions come amid a sharp increase in cyber threats targeting Kenya’s digital infrastructure, businesses and online services, raising concerns about the security of customer data, financial transactions and other critical digital operations.
Kenya Records 11.12 Billion Cyber Threat Events
According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the National Kenya Computer Incident Response Team–Coordination Centre detected 11.12 billion cyber threat events during the last financial year, representing a 29 per cent increase from the 8.62 billion events recorded in the previous financial year.
The surge highlights the need for organisations to strengthen their cybersecurity systems, improve threat detection and enhance their capacity to respond to digital attacks.
As businesses and public institutions expand their use of digital platforms, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting emerging technologies to launch more sophisticated attacks.
The consequences for businesses extend beyond data breaches to include potential financial losses, operational disruptions, reputational damage and declining customer confidence.
Safaricom Advocates Security-First Approach to AI Adoption
Speaking at the summit, Safaricom Group Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa said businesses must integrate cybersecurity into digital services from the development stage as artificial intelligence creates new opportunities while introducing increasingly sophisticated threats.
“AI is expanding what is possible for businesses and society, but that opportunity must be built on trust,” said Ndegwa.
“Cybersecurity can no longer be treated as a technical safeguard added after a service is developed. It must be embedded from the start and strengthened through shared standards, responsible innovation and collaboration across sectors. That is how we ensure digital progress remains safe, inclusive and worthy of our customers’ confidence.”
The summit explored AI’s dual role in cybersecurity, highlighting its potential to accelerate threat detection and response while also enabling cybercriminals to develop more sophisticated methods of attack.
Discussions focused on emerging risks, including deepfakes, AI-generated impersonation, automated scams and ransomware attacks.Through expert presentations, live demonstrations and practical scenarios, participants examined strategies for improving threat detection, strengthening incident response and enhancing preparedness for ransomware attacks.
The sessions also highlighted the importance of investing in cybersecurity skills, testing response plans and establishing clear accountability to help organisations manage evolving digital risks.
MSMEs Emerge as Key Market for Managed Cybersecurity Services
Safaricom is positioning its cybersecurity solutions as an option for businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), seeking to strengthen their digital operations without investing in complex in-house security infrastructure.
MSMEs account for approximately 70 per cent of Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP), making their ability to protect business systems and customer information an important consideration for the wider economy.
However, smaller businesses often face financial and technical constraints that can limit their ability to establish comprehensive cybersecurity systems.
Safaricom said it supports businesses through two key solutions: Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Managed Security Operations Centre (MSOC).
The SD-WAN solution provides secure, reliable and centrally managed connectivity across multiple business locations, while the MSOC offers continuous threat monitoring, expert analysis and coordinated incident response.
Together, the services are designed to give businesses access to enterprise-grade security capabilities without requiring them to establish and maintain complex cybersecurity operations internally.
By reducing the technical burden associated with managing digital security, the solutions aim to help businesses protect customer data, secure transactions and maintain operational continuity.
The approach also positions managed cybersecurity services as an option for companies seeking to expand their digital capabilities while managing exposure to cyber risks.
Rising Cyber Threats Raise Stakes for Digital Transformation
The increase in detected cyber threat events comes as Kenyan businesses continue to adopt digital technologies to improve efficiency, expand their customer reach and streamline service delivery.
However, the growing reliance on connected platforms also exposes organisations to new vulnerabilities, making cybersecurity investment an increasingly important component of digital transformation strategies.
Effective cybersecurity preparedness requires more than deploying security software. Organisations must also establish clear incident-reporting procedures, verify high-risk requests and train employees to identify suspicious activity.
The summit underscored the need for businesses to combine technological safeguards with effective governance and a workplace culture that prioritises security.
Collaboration among organisations was also highlighted as a critical component of strengthening threat intelligence sharing, improving preparedness and coordinating responses to cyber incidents.
As AI adoption accelerates, businesses face the challenge of balancing innovation with the need to protect digital systems, customer information and essential services.
Safaricom’s call for a security-first approach reflects the growing importance of building trust and resilience into Kenya’s expanding digital economy.