Seven companies have not been included in the Competition Authority of Kenya’s (CA) list of accredited Electronic Certification Service Providers (E-CSP).
An E-CSP is a licensed entity authorized to issue, verify, store, renew, suspend, and revoke digital certificates securely. Only upon accreditation by the Authority can an E-CSP begin issuing digital certificates to customers. This accreditation is granted after the E-CSP undergoes and passes an initial regulatory compliance audit within one year of receiving their license.
Currently, Geda Limited, Tendaworld, and the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICT Authority) are accredited to provide these services. However, CMCOM Kenya Limited, Idently Systems, Digicheti, Hakisha, Kensign, Techedge, and Kashia Services Limited are not licensed to perform these functions.
In a meeting held on March 14, 2024, the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) mandated that all critical information infrastructure systems must use digital certificates, certification, and PKI services from E-CSPs accredited by the Communications Authority of Kenya.
David Mugonyi, Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya, emphasized that electronic certificates are crucial for securing Kenya’s cyberspace. They ensure the safety and integrity of electronic transactions and online services, promote e-commerce, and facilitate efficient delivery of public services through digital platforms.
This initiative aims to prevent document forgery, such as contracts and checks, and allows busy executives to sign paperwork remotely from anywhere in the world.
The electronic certification licenses issued by the CA will enable the ICT Authority to provide digital signatures for e-government services.
“Trust is the foundation of every ecosystem and market. To achieve our shared ambition for the digital transformation of our economy, it is essential to secure our cyberspace and establish a framework that facilitates the secure transfer of information required for e-commerce, internet banking, and many other applications,” said David Mugonyi at the second National Public Key Infrastructure Forum.
