On Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, KEPSA, in partnership with Montgomery Group East Africa, took part in the 7th edition of Securexpo East Africa at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi. The premier B2B exhibition and conference focused on security, safety, and technology. This year's event promises to be a significant platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and explore cutting-edge innovations. The three-day event will see over 50 exhibitors from Kenya, across Africa, and the world showcasing groundbreaking technologies and services. Securexpo 2024 will allow attendees to see the future of security and safety firsthand. From commercial security and fire safety to cybersecurity and workplace safety, the exhibition will feature diverse solutions.

Ms. Annette Kimitei, Chairperson of the KEPSA security board, represented KEPSA on the opening day. In her remarks, she noted that Kenyan crime is changing. Theft continues to be the most common crime, making up half of all reported incidents, according to the National Crime Research Center. Crimes like drug possession, assault, and home invasion are also increasing. The number of convicted criminals in prison has increased by 20.6%, and 216 people are incarcerated daily.

In Kenya, terrorism continues to pose a serious concern. Kenya remains vulnerable, ranked 18th on the Global Terrorism Index 2024, as organizations such as Al-Shabaab persistently launch assaults throughout the country. Terrorism claimed more than 1,000 lives in 2023 alone.

Unrest and disasters affect security as well. Strikes and political unrest are getting worse. Regretfully, accidents claimed the lives of almost 3,300 people by September 2023, while cyberattacks claimed 855 million lives.

she noted that the future of security would revolve around the combination of physical and cyber security, AI, and predictive analytics to enable proactive risk management by allowing us to take preventive measures to lessen possible hazards, Human decision-making making and response times enhanced by technology resulting in a seamless human-machine interaction and lastly as nations exchange intelligence and best practices to counter transitional threats, international cooperation will be crucial now more than ever.

Mr. Collins Ojiambo, CISA, CISM, CDPSE, Chairman of the Cybersecurity committee at KEPSA, noted that data is often compared to pollution, overwhelming systems, and complicated cybersecurity efforts in today's digital landscape. "The focus on securing data should shift towards understanding the human element," He noted. This perspective highlights the necessity of addressing human behavior through robust policies and comprehensive awareness training. By equipping users with knowledge of potential threats and best practices, organizations can create a more resilient defense against cyber threats. As the dark web illustrates, attackers often do not require advanced technical skills to exploit vulnerabilities; instead, they capitalize on human error.

He added that legal compliance with data protection laws, such as those enacted in 2019, is paramount in safeguarding individual rights. "Any entity handling personal data must prioritize confidentiality and adherence to the law." To achieve this, organizations must implement mechanisms ensuring compliance at every data interaction stage. This involves establishing measures that protect data throughout its entire lifecycle, from collection to disposal. By fostering a culture of accountability and vigilance, organizations can comply with legal requirements and build trust with individuals whose data they manage.

Securexpo will foster innovation and collaboration in the East African security landscape. This year’s discussions will center on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, providing a roadmap for progress in the sector.