State to have all its websites under one portal

The Kenya Defence Forces website among those hacked by anonymous group, Communications Authority says separate management of state websites has exposed them to cyber-crimes

The Government plans to have one portal for all its websites in bid to curb hacking.

Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) Director-General Francis Wangusi said the separate management of websites has exposed them to cyber-crimes.

"Each governmental institution has been running their websites separately making them vulnerable. Under the new initiative, it will be easier to monitor and coordinate the functions of the sites," said Mr Wangusi.

This comes barely a week after the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and KDF spokesperson Major Emmanuel Chirchir Twitter accounts were attacked by hackers who posted a series of distasteful tweets.

Wangusi urged the public to ensure their social media accounts are verified by the proper administrators to avoid being victims of cyber attacks.

He was speaking yesterday during the opening of an annual e-learning conference in Nairobi.

The conference brought together over 50 delegates from 11 regional and international countries under the theme "21 Century Learning".

ICT Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said e-learning was no longer and add-on but  rather a staple for schools and organisations.

"My ministry will play a key role going forward in working hand-in-hand with the organisers to ensure that this initiative continues and succeeds," said Matiang'i in a speech read on his behalf by Wangusi.

Matiang'i said there was need to tap developing talent, with support of technology, for empowerment in the competitive world.

"Innovation lies within people, not machines. Technology is a catalyst that enhances our processes and bring about efficiencies of what we do," he added.

The conference coordinator Dr Penina Mungania said there was increasing demand for e-learning as a tool for training.It is projected that half of all colleges will have adapted e-learning by 2019. The conference theme was derived from students' demands in integration of ICTs and how it has become a significant source of revenue for institutions.