Innovation
The Securexpo East Africa 2024, the region’s premier security and technology exhibition, held its ninth edition with a call for Kenyans to prioritize digital innovation and bolster their online defenses.
As the nation’s digital landscape expands, so too does the risk of cyberattacks. The event served as a platform for industry experts to showcase cutting-edge solutions and raise awareness about the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s connected world.
Securexpo East Africa is the region’s largest exhibition for the security, fire, and safety sectors. This comes as the number of online users and digital transformation in the country continues to increase, a development that has also come with increased cybersecurity threats.
The expo acts as a platform for sharing best practices, exploring the latest innovations and industry solutions in both physical and digital security by ensuring a safer and more secure future for East Africa, fostering invaluable connections.
Speaking at the event, Director for Programmes & Standards at the ICT Authority Thomas Bwaley has called for public and private sectors to collaborate in adopting cutting-edge solutions to address the growing security challenges in the digital and physical landscapes.
He emphasised on the critical role of online security in Kenya’s ongoing digital transformation, noting that more access to internet through the 1,450 ICT hubs, 25,000 public hotspots and the 100,000 kilometres of fibre must be accompanied with more awareness on safe spaces online in pursuit of the country’s Vision 2030.
From Left; Director for Programmes & Standards, ICT Authority Thomas Bwaley, Managing Director Montgomery Group East Africa Angela Kinyua and Deputy Director, Information Systems Security (Cybersecurity) at ICT Authority Philip Irode during the opening of the 9th Edition of Securexpo East Africa held at Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi on Wednesday, October 16,2024.
“The government has an ambitious plan to roll out 100,000 kilometres, develop 1,450 ICT hubs in all wards and install 25,000 public WiFi hotspots across the country,” he said, adding that securing the physical aspects of the particular infrastructure is quite critical, as well as also securing the users.
At the same time, he said that this year’s theme of Securexpo, was to deliberate about innovation for a secure future and in the region while announcing that Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity since the security of the physical and digital environments is deeply intertwined.
Making her remarks, Managing Director of Montgomery Group East Africa Angela Kinyua has highlighted the significance of this year’s expo in driving partnerships and innovations. “This exhibition is more than just an event. It’s a powerful symbol of our commitment to progress, collaboration, and innovation,” she said.
Kinyua applauded the stakeholders and participants who contributed their expertise and also presided over the presentation of the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) which recognizes excellence in the security sector. She underscores the contributions that Kenyan companies have achieved in the global security standards while she presents the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), which recognizes a significant excellence within the security industry.
This year, Kenyan companies have made a significant mark by receiving accolades that underscore their contributions on a global scale,” she stated. The event brings together both local and international professionals, innovators, decision-makers and exhibiting companies including Security Systems, Securex, Two Way, Silvertech, Bistrol Distributions Systems, Draeger, Toshiba and Lady Askari among others.