Kenya Education Network (Kenet) Executive Director Prof. Meoli Kashorda has emphasized the crucial need for institutions of higher learning to enhance their cybersecurity measures.
Speaking at Egerton University during a courtesy visit to Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, Prof. Meoli engaged in discussions regarding the pressing issue of cyber risks within the university. The focus was on implementing strategies to safeguard research endeavors and overall data security.
Prof. Meoli underscored the importance of Egerton University's future-oriented approach, suggesting an increase in the institution's current bandwidth budget. This step, he noted, would support the expansion and enhancement of digital learning and research capabilities.
"There is a need for Egerton University to allocate a larger portion of its budget to bandwidth for the purpose of future growth and upgrading digital learning and research infrastructure," Prof. Meoli stated.
The discussions took place in the Vice-Chancellor's Boardroom, with notable attendees including Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Benard Aduda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Planning, and Development Prof. Richard Mulwa, Registrar for Academics Prof. Mwanarusi Saidi, ICT Manager Dr. Phoebe Fedha, and Dean of the Faculty of Health Professor Samson Obure.
The meeting addressed the recent significant distributed denial of service (DDOS) incidents that affected the nation. Prof. Meoli highlighted the strength and security of the dedicated network provided to learning institutions through the Kenya Education Network.
He emphasized that researchers can conduct their work in a secure environment without the fear of compromising data.
"Through our trust, we can pool resources and continue to uphold our services and infrastructure, providing a safe haven for researchers," Prof. Meoli explained.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage of Egerton University assured Kenet of the university's unwavering support and commitment to renewing its membership.
"We appreciate the visit and the funding opportunities you've offered us. Our team will carefully consider each collaborative area to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes," Prof. Kibwage affirmed.
Kenet has taken a proactive step by setting up a "pilot" fund to support private partnerships aimed at upgrading digital campus infrastructure. This initiative extends the reach of campus networks through supplier credit, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for all stakeholders.
Through Kenet, community members enjoy various benefits, including access to research services such as the annual core data report.
The network also provides forums for senior leadership from member institutions, assistance in developing policies for ICT governance and ERP implementation, and support for creating scalable campus networks. Additionally, members benefit from advocacy efforts aimed at addressing key challenges in the higher education sector.
Egerton University's Prof. Winfred Mulwa has been a recipient of Kenet's support in the past. She benefited from the grant awarded by Kenet for early PhD graduates, particularly within the realm of educational technology and research services.
The Trust's capacity-building initiatives for faculty members have played a pivotal role in advancing her expertise. Prof. Mulwa, who was a beneficiary in 2019 for her work in material science, exemplifies the tangible impact of Kenet's commitment to fostering excellence within academia.
Prof. Meoli's visit to Egerton University sheds light on the imperative of bolstering cybersecurity efforts within higher education institutions.
The discussions underscore the significance of collaboration between organizations like Kenet and universities to ensure the safety of research data and promote the advancement of digital learning.
With ongoing support and initiatives such as the campus infrastructure upgrade fund, Kenet continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Kenya.
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