USTDA Supports Kenya's Efforts to Secure Its Growing Telecommunications Infrastructure
September 23, 2011
(USTDA)
NAIROBI, KENYA – Today USTDA awarded a $580,000 grant to Kenya's Ministry of
Information and Communications to develop a National Cybersecurity Master Plan.
Successful implementation of the cybersecurity plan will improve the safety and
security of the Kenyan public's data, and will provide many opportunities for
U.S. information and communications technology firms.
Kenya has successfully developed significant telecommunications infrastructure
in recent years, and internet use is rising rapidly. However, this improved
infrastructure increases Kenya's vulnerability to cyber attacks. The
USTDA-funded National Cybersecurity Master Plan will provide a framework for the
Government of Kenya to defend and secure its digital infrastructure, as well as
recommend minimum cybersecurity standards for the country's private networks.
USTDA's assistance will benefit U.S. companies by evaluating technologies while
considering concepts such as interoperability, reliability, and life-cycle
costing, especially competitive areas for U.S. firms.
The Cybersecurity Master Plan also furthers USTDA's East Africa Broadband
Connectivity Initiative (EABCI), a series of projects to advance investments in
ICT infrastructure, applications and integration in East Africa. In addition to
today's grant, through the EABCI USTDA has supported feasibility studies, a
reverse trade mission, and a workshop in the region.
"USTDA is committed to supporting U.S. firms in developing East Africa's
telecommunications infrastructure," stated USTDA's Director Leocadia I. Zak.
The opportunity to conduct the USTDA-funded technical assistance will be
competed on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website. A link to the FBO
announcement will be posted to USTDA's website at www.ustda.gov. Interested U.S.
firms should submit proposals according to the instructions in the FBO
announcement. The Ministry of Information and Communications will select the
U.S. contractor that will complete the technical assistance.
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