Multi-Stakeholder Engagement in Developing National Cyber Security to Enhance National Development

• Jacqueline Chepkoech

  Kenya Defence Forces

  Author

• Mugah Michael Sitawa

  IPSTC

  Author

The research sought to examine the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder engagement in developing national cybersecurity capacity to enhance national development with a focus on KDF. Specific objectives were to determine the contributions of KDF and academic institutions in national cyber defence capacity enhancement and determine the effectiveness of the multi-stakeholder framework spearheaded by KDF in national cyber defence capacity enhancement to bolster national development. The theories informing the study were Risk Theory of Safety and Security, and Integrated System Theory of Information Security Management using both diagnostic and descriptive research design methods. The study used a sample size of 100 participants drawn from Kenya security agencies (50) (KDF, NIS, and NPS), Kenyan universities and research institutions (25), and another (25) from the corporate and civil societies comprising the Communication Authority Kenya and the Kenya Information Communication Network (KICTANET). The data was collected using open-ended questionnaires sent to the participants via email. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were used, while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data analysis, expressed in narrative and percentages as per themes therein. Some of the study findings are that, while KDF has been integrated into Kenya's multi-agency teams on cyber security, their contribution has been minimal thus far. However, KDF continues to play an advisory role to the government on digital threats. Further, academic institutions have remained theoretical on cybersecurity matters, with just a few universities offering such training. In addition, while a multi-stakeholder approach is most appropriate to handle cybersecurity threats, there lacks a proactive multi-agency framework to quell such threats and create awareness and a response team in the event of cyberattacks. This study recommends the creation of a multi-stakeholder team in the event of cyberattacks. This study recommends the creation of a multi-stakeholder team to develop home-grown solutions and increase the role of KDF in cybersecurity. multi-agency develop home-grown solutions and increase the role of KDF in multi-agency cybersecurity collaboration and advisory roles as well as research. Further, the study recommends proactive collaboration and advisory roles as well as research. Further, the study recommends a proactive center for cybersecurity response teams to be established in Kenya, spearheaded by the KDF.

1. Jacqueline Chepkoech , Kenya Defence Forces

   Lt Col Chepkoech is a Logistics Officer and a professional in the field of IT and Cyber Security in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). She is currently the Commandant of the School of Ordinance (SOO). She has held various appointments, including instructor at the Peace and Conflicts Studies School (PCSS) of the International Peace and Studies Centre (IPSTC) Karen. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Systems and holds Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology. She has obtained a Sec 504 Certification in Cyber Security from the SANs Institute and Cybersecurity Fundamentals to Experts Course from Serianu Ltd.

2. Mugah Michael Sitawa , IPSTC

   Dr. Mugah Michael Sitawa is now a Senior Researcher at the International Peace Support Training Center. He obtained his Ph.D. in Sociology from Kenyatta University and his Master's degree in environmental economics from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.  Dr. Sitawa has published widely on socio-economic development, including research on prison healthcare and pastoralist communities. He currently contributes to policy dialogue on regional development and climate adaptation.

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