Safaricom has called upon businesses and innovators to prioritize cybersecurity as they develop new digital solutions.
Speaking during the Safaricom Cybersecurity Summit 2025, themed Powering Progress, Securing Growth, Nicholas Mulila, Chief Corporate Security Officer at Safaricom, said that the rise in cyberattacks in Kenya calls for urgent measures to contain the threat.
Mulila noted that many innovators focus on functionality and speed while overlooking security, which exposes businesses to vulnerabilities.
“We need to innovate every minute yet we don’t think of security when we innovate. In whatever we are doing, let’s also ensure we are secure,” Mulila said.
He emphasized that Kenya’s growing digital space has made it one of the fastest expanding cybersecurity markets in the region.
“When you look at our country we are the fastest growing cybersecurity market and that reflects our digital growth,” he added.
As one of the companies powering a large portion of Kenya’s economy, Mulila said Safaricom continues to educate customers on how to protect themselves from online threats. This includes the frequent messages that users receive on their mobile phones, advising them on how to identify and avoid fraud.
He revealed that fraud cases have declined by 90 percent due to increased customer education and awareness creation. Safaricom has also invested in a 24-hour security system that continuously monitors and neutralizes potential threats.
While acknowledging that cyber threats are inevitable, Mulila urged businesses to strengthen their preparedness and recovery strategies.
“[Cyber attack] is not an if but a when. However, we need to reduce the impact of the attack and recover almost immediately,” he advised.
