EU backs Kenya’s cybersecurity push with €3m programme

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Cybersecurity; 27 January 2026; 7991 views

The European Union will provide KES454 million (EUR3 million) to strengthen Kenya’s national cybersecurity ecosystem as the country accelerates its digital transformation.

The 36-month initiative, dubbed Strengthening the Resilience of the Cybersecurity Ecosystem of Kenya (KCR), was launched in Nairobi with the backing of Kenyan government officials and EU development partners. The programme will focus on tightening regulatory and institutional frameworks, boosting national and sector-level capacity to respond to cyber incidents, and raising cybersecurity awareness – with a particular emphasis on women, young people and users of public services.

EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, said the funding comes as Kenya sees rapid growth in digital government services, payment platforms and online applications, making the protection of critical information infrastructure and service continuity increasingly vital.

John Tanui (pictured, second), Principal Secretary at the State Department for ICT, added the KCR programme aligns with existing national priorities, including Kenya’s National Cybersecurity Strategy - which established the National Cybersecurity Agency - and the country’s Digital Master Plan covering fibre rollout and digital skills development.