Nairobi Cyber Security Hub
Supporting Partners
NC4
CA
8 JULY 2026NAIROBI

Beyond

Firewalls

Strategic Cyber Defense for Digital Age

East Africa's premier cybersecurity summit bringing together C-level executives, technology leaders, and policymakers.

Reserve Your Seat Become a Sponsor
Community Partner
Global Alliance for Artificial Intelligence (GAFAI)
8 JULY 2026|Cyber First East Africa
00DAYS
:
00HRS
:
00MIN
:
00SEC
Register
Government Endorsement
Col Dr James Kimuyu
NC4

Keynote Speaker

Col Dr James
Kimuyu

Director

National Computer & Cybercrimes
Coordination Committee (NC4)

Safeguardingnationalcyberspaceisnotonlyasecurityimperativebutacornerstoneforsustainableeconomicgrowthanddigitalresilience.

Cyberspace is now a central theatre of operations powering economies, governance and national security. As Kenya accelerates its digital transformation, the same ICT dependencies that enable innovation also introduce systemic vulnerabilities.

In response, the Government of Kenya has undertaken critical policy, legal, regulatory and institutional steps — including the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018 and the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-27.

These interventions ensure protection and resilience of Critical Information Infrastructure, incident response, public safety, harmonized handling and prosecution of cybercrime and national security. Additionally, Kenya's aspiration to accede to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime underscores its commitment to international cooperation and alignment with global best practices.

The Government continues to build capabilities for cyber threat monitoring, sector-specific training, incident response coordination and enhanced international partnerships.

Kenya welcomes global stakeholders to participate in Cyber First East Africa 2026 on 08 July in Nairobi — a premier platform for cybersecurity dialogue, innovation and collaboration. NC4 affirms its mandate to ensure a secure cyberspace for Kenya and Its People.

Official statement · Government of Kenya

Summit Overview

East Africa's Top 200+
Security Leaders

200+DELEGATES
20+SPEAKERS
10+SESSIONS
10+MEDIA PARTNERS
6AWARDS
Nairobi city skyline, Kenya cybersecurity summit location
96%
Talent Gap

Kenya has solidified its position as a digital powerhouse in Africa, with rapid innovations driving unprecedented economic inclusion. However, this growth has expanded the national attack surface.

Organizations face a severe 96% talent shortage, with only 1,700 certified experts for a national requirement of over 40,000.

Circuit board representing cybersecurity technology

Over 4.5 billion cyber threats detected between October – December 2025. That is a 441% jump. 21.8 million security advisories sent out by KE-CIRT/CC.

Cyber First East Africa 2026 serves as the definitive nexus for C-level executives, technology leaders, and policymakers to synchronize efforts against escalating digital warfare.

The Threat
4.5B
Threats Detected
Why Now

Africa's Digital
Powerhouse

Under Siege

KES 29.9 Billion Lost.

Over 4.5 billion cyber threats detected in Q4 2025 alone. Kenya's cybersecurity market projected to reach $92.64M by 2029.

Source: KE-CIRT/CC · Q4 2025

4.5B
System AttacksDetected Q4 2025
+441%
70.9M
MalwareUnpatched vulnerabilities
+22%
58.3M
DDoS AttacksHighest in East Africa
+112%
42.8M
Brute ForceCredential intrusions
+38%
11.7M
Web App AttacksApplication exploits
+67%
518K
Mobile ThreatsMobile detections
+15%
Leadership

Advisory
Board &
Speakers

Industry leaders shaping the summit agenda and driving cybersecurity excellence across East Africa.

Scroll to explore
Colonel (Dr.) James Kimuyu

Colonel (Dr.) James Kimuyu

Director

NC4

👤

David Mugyoni

Director General

Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)

George Kisaka

George Kisaka

VP

ISACA Kenya Chapter

Michael Etale

Michael Etale

Chief Information Security Officer

Absa Bank

Geoffrey O. Ochieng

Geoffrey O. Ochieng

Global AI Delegate to Kenya

Global Alliance for Artificial Intelligence

Hussein Omar Hussein

Hussein Omar Hussein

Director IT and Digital

SBM Bank Kenya

Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu

Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu

Head of Data Protection

KCB Bank Group

Frank K Muriuki

Frank K Muriuki

Lead - Information Security Officer

Kenyan Airports Authority

Peter Muhumuza

Peter Muhumuza

CISO

KCB Bank Uganda

Steven Mwesige

Steven Mwesige

Ag. Chief Information Security Officer

Pearl Bank Uganda

👤

Dr. Isabelle K

Principal Officer | Frequency Spectrum Management | Standardisation and Innovation

Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)

Emmanuel Kimeu

Emmanuel Kimeu

Secretary, ICT - Security and Audit Control - State Department of ICT and Digital Economy

Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy

Mutheu Nyagah - Khimulu

Mutheu Nyagah - Khimulu

Advisory Board Member

African Cyber Society

George Rugero

George Rugero

Head - Information Security

Airtel Rwanda

Event Sponsors 2026

Partnering with industry leaders

The brands shaping the East African cyber conversation alongside us
Panel Sponsors
Strategic Sponsor
Media Sponsors
Conference Tracks

What We're Solving

Six critical tracks addressing East Africa's most pressing cybersecurity challenges.

Critical Infrastructure

Critical Infrastructure

Track 01

Critical Infrastructure

Formulating resilient defense mechanisms against APTs, ransomware proliferation, and high-volume DDoS attacks exceeding 1Tbps.

Governance & Privacy

Governance & Privacy

Track 02

Governance & Privacy

Strategically aligning enterprise architectures with the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (CMCA) and national directives for data privacy and legal compliance.

Cloud & Zero Trust

Cloud & Zero Trust

Track 03

Cloud & Zero Trust

Eradicating implicit trust against social engineering and insider threats while navigating migration to hybrid/public cloud.

Human Firewall

Human Firewall

Track 04

Human Firewall

Accelerating capacity-building models and institutional partnerships to transform the workforce into an active 'human firewall'.

AI & Threat Intel

AI & Threat Intel

Track 05

AI & Threat Intel

Leveraging AI for automated, proactive threat detection and incident response against algorithmic cyber-attacks.

Global Partnerships

Global Partnerships

Track 06

Global Partnerships

Driving regional/global collaboration frameworks to democratize actionable cyber intelligence and fortify cross-border defense.

Agenda

The Day's Programme

18 sessions across 6.5 hours — a single-track programme built for focus.

Morning Session
08:00 – 12:00
08:00 – 09:00Registration, Networking, and Refreshments
09:05 – 09:10Keynote

Welcome Remarks

09:10 – 09:15Keynote

National Anthem and Opening Ceremony

09:15 – 09:30Keynote

Opening Keynote

The Digital Mandate Roadmap – NC4 and Kenya's Cyber Economy

Col Dr James Kimuyu – Director, National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4)

09:30 – 10:00Panel

Leadership Panel

Who Owns the Risk? Boards, Regulators and CISOs under New Expectations

Governance focused on accountability, reporting, and decision making for cyber risk across sectors, how responsibility is shared, what effective governance looks like in practice

10:00 – 10:15Fireside

Fireside Chat

The Sovereign Shield – Harmonizing Critical Infrastructure Defence under the CMCA 2025

The tactical enforcement of the 2025 Amendment Act, focusing on how government agencies and regulators are transitioning from legislative theory to real-time website deactivation and threat containment

10:15 – 10:30Fireside

Technology Presentation

Using Endpoint and Network Telemetry to Spot Business Critical Attacks

(Reserved for Sponsor)

10:30 – 11:15VIP Exhibition Tour followed by Networking & Refreshments
11:15 – 11:45Panel

Panel Discussion

From Logs to Decisions – Making Threat Intelligence and Analytics Actionable

How organizations can prioritize a small set of high-value detection and intel use-cases, instead of drowning in data and alerts

11:45 – 12:00Fireside

Technology Presentation

MFA Fatigue & Password less – Implementing Identity First Security

(Reserved for Sponsor)

Afternoon Session
12:00 – 14:30
12:00 – 12:15Fireside

Technology Presentation

Behavioural Biometrics – The Next Frontier in Anti-Fraud for Digital Lenders

(Reserved for Sponsor)

12:15 – 12:45Panel

Panel Discussion

Keeping the Lights On – Practical Resilience Against DDoS, Ransomware and Network Disruptions

Keeping critical services available under intense pressure and concrete strategies for maintaining availability of critical services under DDoS waves, network issues, and ransomware across sectors

12:45 – 13:00Fireside

Technology Presentation

Proactive Deception Strategies for Government Portals

(Reserved for Sponsor)

13:00 – 13:30Networking Break and Refreshments
13:30 – 14:00Panel

Panel Discussion

Identity Under Pressure – Stopping Fraud and Account Takeover in a Mobile First Economy

How identity abuse drives fraud and disruption across mobile money, digital banking, telco services, and citizen portals

14:00 – 14:15Fireside

Presentation

API Security at Scale – Protecting the Interconnected Ecosystem of the Silicon Savannah

(Reserved Session)

14:15 – 14:30Awards

Cyber First Award Ceremony & Raffle Draw

14:30Networking Lunch and End of Conference
Trusted By Industry Leaders

Our Series Partners & Sponsors

Backed by global technology leaders and security vendors worldwide.

Palo Alto Networks
SentinelOne
Google Cloud
Kaspersky
Akamai
Secureworks
Palo Alto Networks
SentinelOne
Google Cloud
Kaspersky
Akamai
Secureworks
Google Cloud Security
Anomali
OPSWAT
Pentera
HWG
AmiViz
Securonix
Paramount
Kron Technologies
Appknox
Filigran
Corelight
ManageEngine
Fortinet
Gen-X Systems
SecureB4
Bureau Veritas
DREAM
Google Cloud Security
Anomali
OPSWAT
Pentera
HWG
AmiViz
Securonix
Paramount
Kron Technologies
Appknox
Filigran
Corelight
ManageEngine
Fortinet
Gen-X Systems
SecureB4
Bureau Veritas
DREAM
Become a Partner →
Cyber First delegates
Kenya · 2026

Where East Africa's cyber leaders shape the future of regional security.

From Cyber First Events

Inside the Cyber First Experience

Moments captured from our conferences across the region.

Cyber First Kuwait keynote session
Cyber First Kuwait keynote session
Panel discussion with industry leaders
Panel discussion with industry leaders
Panel discussion, Cyber First UAE
Panel discussion, Cyber First UAE
Conference networking
Conference networking
Conference exhibition
Conference exhibition
Executive networking session
Executive networking session
Your Audience

Who Should Attend

Designed for senior decision-makers driving cybersecurity strategy across East Africa's most critical sectors.

Target Roles
10 roles
Government & Regulatory Authorities
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
CIOs & IT Security Leaders
Critical Infrastructure Operators
Fintech & Mobile Money Leaders
Telecom & Digital Infrastructure
Risk & Compliance Professionals
Cybersecurity Technology Providers
Security Operations Center (SOC) Directors
AI & Cloud Security Specialists
Key Industries
6 sectors
Banking & Financial Services
Government & Public Sector
Telecom & Digital Infrastructure
Energy & Utilities
Healthcare
Manufacturing & Industrial
From the Stage

Event Highlights

Keynotes, panels, and conversations captured live from Cyber First summits.

Cyber First UAE — Event Highlights
Cyber First
Cyber First Qatar — Event Highlights
Cyber First
Cyber First Kuwait 3rd Edition
Cyber First
Cyber First Kuwait — Event Highlights
Cyber First
Cyber First UAE — Event Highlights
Cyber First
Cyber First Qatar — Event Highlights
Cyber First
Cyber First Kuwait 3rd Edition
Cyber First
Cyber First Kuwait — Event Highlights
Cyber First
Cyber First UAE — Event Highlights
Cyber First
Cyber First Qatar — Event Highlights
Cyber First
Cyber First Kuwait 3rd Edition
Cyber First
Cyber First Kuwait — Event Highlights
Cyber First
From the Room

Hear It From the Room

Hear directly from CISOs and cybersecurity leaders who attended Cyber First events.

Cyber First Testimonial
Cyber First
Cyber First Testimonial
Cyber First
Cyber First Testimonial
Cyber First
Cyber First Testimonial
Cyber First
Cyber First Testimonial
Cyber First
Cyber First Testimonial
Cyber First
Awards & Recognition

Cyber First Awards East Africa 2026

Join us as we celebrate the Cyber First 2026 Awards, honoring those who demonstrate outstanding excellence and innovation in operational practices.

6Categories
5Eligible Sectors
2026Inaugural Edition
Nominations Open

Submit Your Nomination

Know a leader who deserves recognition? Self-nominations are welcome.

Free to nominate · Open to all sectors

2026 Award Categories

We'll shine a spotlight on the visionaries and organizations leading the way in technological advancements.

01

Cybersecurity Innovation Award

Recognizing groundbreaking solutions in threat detection and defence technologies.

02

Excellence in Cyber Resilience Award

Honouring organizations that have demonstrated robust recovery and adaptation to cyber incidents.

03

Emerging Cybersecurity Leader Award

Celebrating young professionals or startups making significant contributions to the field.

04

Public Sector Cybersecurity Achievement Award

Acknowledging government initiatives that enhance national digital security.

05

The Master of the Attack Surface (Zero Trust Pioneer)

This awards a C-suite leader or architectural team that has executed the most sophisticated, seamless implementation of Zero Trust Architecture, effectively neutralizing external and internal threats without hindering business operations.

06

The Sentinel of Critical Infrastructure

This is dedicated to a public sector entity, utility company, or financial institution that has implemented highly creative strategies to safeguard national data and physical infrastructure from disruption.

Who Can Be Nominated

Government and regulatory authorities
Enterprises and private sector organisations
Banking and financial institutions
Critical infrastructure operators
Cybersecurity and technology innovators
Cyber First East Africa 2026 cybersecurity conference Nairobi
Join Us

Be Part of Cyber First East Africa

Become a Summit Sponsor

Put your brand in the room with top decision-makers worldwide. Sponsorship packages are designed for maximum visibility and qualified lead generation.

Boardroom hosting & keynote slots
Qualified lead generation
Premium brand visibility worldwide

Trusted by 80+ sponsors across 6+ global markets

Your information is kept confidential. We'll only use it to respond to your inquiry.

Your Direct Line

Meet Your Dedicated Team

Real people, ready to help you make the most of Cyber First East Africa

Speaking Enquiries
Sanjana Venugopal

Sanjana Venugopal

Senior Conference Producer

Sponsorship Enquiries
Mohammed Hassan

Mohammed Hassan

Partnership Manager

Sponsorship Enquiries
Mohammed Danish

Mohammed Danish

Partnership Manager

Nairobi Kenya venue
The Venue

Nairobi

Kenya's Silicon Savannah

East Africa's Premier Cybersecurity Summit

Join industry leaders, government officials, and technology innovators in the heart of Kenya's thriving tech ecosystem.

View on Map
LocationNairobi, Kenya
DateWednesday, 8 July 2026
Time8:00 AM, 5:00 PM (EAT)
FormatFull-day conference + networking