The government has proposed a national cloud computing policy as part of measures aimed at further tightening the cybersecurity measures.
The Ministry of ICT says the new policy will mandate all entities to prioritise cloud-based solutions when making ICT investments, including procurement of hardware and software and renewal of existing software licences.
Cloud computing refers to using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.
“Currently there is no legal framework to direct organisations to adopt cloud hence some organisations are still investing in server rooms and data centres in a bid to host their applications,” said the ministry in the draft proposal.
“The establishment of a Cloud Policy in Kenya presents an opportunity to address gaps in the existing policy and legal framework related to cloud computing. By defining clear objectives, enhancing the legal framework, and promoting best practices, Kenya can position itself as a leader in cloud computing, driving innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness in the digital economy.”
The policy is set to build upon the foundational principles outlined in the national ICT policy, which serves as the overarching framework guiding ICT development and governance in the country.
The ministry further said the cloud policy would take into consideration diverse parameters, including international governance frameworks, codes of conduct for responsible use as well as data interoperability and portability to facilitate cross-border data exchange.
Noting that cloud computing adds another layer of complexity to data privacy, the ministry said the proposed policy would address data localisation — which refers to legal restrictions that mandate data to be stored or processed within a specific geographic location – as well as data sovereignty which focuses on a nation’s legal control over data stored within its borders, even if it is physically located elsewhere.
The cloud policy proposal comes at a time when Kenya is gearing up to publish its national strategy on artificial intelligence (AI) by May, as part of the race to plug loopholes amid the fast-growing popularity of the technology.
The private sector is leading the adoption of the new technology in Kenya, with experts saying the transparency of AI solutions is critical to driving its adoption across the country’s different socio-economic segments.
