Author: David Bogonko Nyokang’i

Huawei Technologies has launched its latest cyber security service targeting the Kenyan private and public sectors deepening the use of cloud storage solutions and artificial intelligence systems amid escalating cyberattacks.

Known as Ransomware Protection 2.0 the new service has been designed to address emerging technologies including cloud, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) that are spreading rapidly.

All of these developments, said Huawei Kenya CEO Gao Fei, mean that cyber security risks are rising. He pointed out that for the country to benefit from the expansionary economic impact of ICT, maintaining a secure ICT environment is key.

“The ICT sector is growing rapidly, it is important to ensure that every business’ systems are working well without facing malicious threats, such as ransomware, that disrupt day to day operations and bring real financial costs,” said Gao.

Nearly 40 percent of public sector organizations use cloud storage services while at least 68 percent of private sector organizations have embraced the cloud. Technology is now everywhere, with all businesses thinking how to collect data and make the most out of it; indeed, data is now a critical input propelling our economy and society. This brings explosive growth in data storage requirements as so many services now collect data as well as depend on data for critical applications. It has become challenging to handle large amounts of data efficiently, ensure OnDemand mobility of data, turn data into gold, and at the same time also protect our data. If data is worth as much as gold, it is also worth protecting.

Kenya still faces a significant threat from ransomware attacks, which have increased dramatically in recent years. Ransomware attacks, by a type of malicious software that encrypts the victim’s data and demands a ransom for its decryption, are especially on the rise.

Speaking at the event, Andrew Opiyo, Director ICT at the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy, noted that with the acceleration of digital transformation and rapid data growth in Kenya, the country faces a significant threat from ransomware attacks, which have increased dramatically in recent years. The need for robust cyber security protection is now more crucial as a result of the recent move to roll out 25,000 wi-fi hotpots and digitize government services amongst others.

“We need to pay more attention to ransomware and other cyber-attack mechanisms and adopt necessary solutions to prevent additional attacks,” he added pointing out that with digital infrastructure that includes data storage being a critical component of the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032, it is important for the country to pursue enhanced vigilance against cyber criminals.

According to a recent report by Kaspersky, Kenya recorded 32.8 million ransomware attacks in the first half of 2021, making it one of the most targeted countries in Africa. Hence there is a need to have solutions, such as Huawei’s Ransomware protection, which helps to prevent such attacks from happening.

• Senator beer brand has introduced ‘Jipe Form na Senator Ushinde’
• Senator Consumers to win over Ksh 97 million in prizes in cash, shopping and home makeovers.
• The national consumer campaign seeks to uplift the lives of loyal Senator customers and drives KBL’s sustainability agenda.

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its low-end flagship beer brand, Senator Keg, has today announced a nationwide consumer campaign dubbed Jipe Form na Senator Ushinde that aims to reward its consumers as well as drive its sustainability agenda.

The Kshs 97 million campaign, dubbed, Jipe Form Na Senator Ushinde, seeks to enrich the lives of Senator consumers and communities, nationwide.

The three-month-long campaign, worth Kshs 97 million, will see five (5) grand lucky winners win Ksh2 million each, with each winner receiving Ksh1 million to invest in their personal growth and another Ksh1 million to be donated to a community of their choice.

Additionally,20 consumers will receive monthly home makeovers monthly, 12,000 winners will receive weekly shopping vouchers, and a whopping 1,980,000 winners will receive daily Cash and airtime vouchers. These rewards underscore the Senator’s commitment to the welfare of its customers.

While announcing the initiative, KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti said that the company has invested over Kshs 200 million in the initiative, demonstrating its steadfast commitment to promoting social sustainability and economic empowerment in Kenya. He stated that as a sustainable business, KBL will continue to make deliberate and aggressive efforts to empower Kenyans to make informed decisions that will positively impact their social and economic well-being.

“Over the years, KBL has been intentional in contributing significantly to the development and prosperity of the Kenyan economy. Catalysing the creation of thriving communities is embedded in our vision and sustainability agenda. Now more than ever, we understand that our business must be a force for good. Through initiatives such as these, we are scaling up our commitment to promoting social sustainability and economic empowerment of our communities,” said Ocitti.

Mr Ocitti added that this is the third edition of the campaign, which has been hugely successful in the past. He disclosed that KBL aims to continue transforming illicit beer market zones into commercial markets while creating wealth for communities in the process. The campaign also seeks to educate consumers on the effects of illicit beers on social, economic, and health progression. Mr Ocitti underpinned that KBL will continue to collaborate with various business partners and key stakeholders to achieve its strategic intent.

“We are proud of the impact that our previous campaigns have had on communities, and we are committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives through this campaign and future ones,” concluded Mr Ocitti.

To participate in the campaign, customers need to purchase two 500ml mugs of either Senator Lager or Dark Extra and receive a scratch card. They can then SMS a unique valid code found under the scratch panel to 22110 to enter the competition. Each valid code gives one entry.

Also commenting on the campaign, Senior Brand Manager of Beer Abel Ratemo, said, “Senator KEG is a brand by the people, for the people, and what better way than to reward customers with incredible prizes while empowering them to give back to the community through community development projects.”

The Jipe Form Na Senator Ushinde campaign builds on Senator Keg’s previous successful National Consumer Promotions, which have had a positive impact on communities. Last year’s grand prize winners received Kshs 1 million to partner with community-based organizations and EABL to upgrade lives.

Last year’s 5 grand draw winners picked community development projects worth Kshs 1 million each. They partnered with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) alongside EABL to upgrade lives within communities. The projects undertaken by the winners were as follows:

1. Furaha Community Organization in Nairobi – Water, Health, and Sanitation
2. Kambu Water and Sanitation Self Help Group Kibwezi – setting up of solar-powered water station
3. Bungasi CBO in Mumias West – Setting up three water kiosks
4. She Is More CBO in Kilifi – Setting up a chicken-rearing business
5. Green Community Self-Help Group in Njoro – Setting up organic fertilizer processing areas, greenhouse, decomposing shed and mechanizing the whole operation.

KBL remains committed to building lasting relationships with consumers and appreciates their support of the brand. Senator Keg continues to be the undisputed market leader in the beer segment, with a 34% value share in sales and volumes. Presently, Senator’s distribution and the retail network has witnessed growth that directly supports over 47,000 farmers, country-wide.