Safaricom Teams Up With Cloudflare to Boost MSME Cybersecurity in Kenya

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya will soon have access to affordable and comprehensive cybersecurity services thanks to a newly forged partnership between Safaricom, Cloudflare, and East African systems integrator, Copy Cat. This collaboration is designed to offer businesses cutting-edge digital security solutions at competitive prices, giving even smaller enterprises the tools they need to protect themselves against the rising tide of cyber threats.

The partnership will see Safaricom offer Cloudflare's advanced cybersecurity services, including zero-trust network architecture and email security, with the services being hosted locally in Kenya’s data centers. This cloud-based approach means businesses will have access to full-stack application and network security that can be operational within just a few hours. Prices for these services start at an affordable Sh5,000 per site per month, making enterprise-level security solutions available to businesses that might otherwise have struggled to afford such protection.

Cynthia Kropac, Safaricom’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, emphasized that in an increasingly digital world, no business can afford to neglect cybersecurity. With digital threats on the rise, the consequences of a cyberattack can be devastating, particularly for smaller businesses that lack the resources to recover from breaches or system vulnerabilities. Kropac explained that the goal of this partnership is to provide a powerful, yet accessible, security infrastructure for MSMEs, ensuring they can operate securely and with peace of mind.

The need for enhanced cybersecurity has never been more pressing. According to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the country saw a staggering 16.5 percent increase in cyberattacks between April and June 2024, bringing the total number of reported incidents to 1.1 billion. This sharp rise highlights the growing risks that system vulnerabilities and digital threats pose as businesses continue to embrace digitization. MSMEs, in particular, are often seen as easy targets by cybercriminals due to their limited security infrastructure.

Graham Turnbull, Managing Executive at Cloudflare, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that it brings world-class digital security solutions closer to Kenyan businesses. By leveraging the expertise of Cloudflare and the reach of Safaricom, this collaboration allows MSMEs to focus on their core business activities, such as productivity and customer service, without the constant worry of cyberattacks. Turnbull added that the partnership enables business owners to invest in security measures that will help safeguard their future in the digital economy.

The partnership also marks a significant step in addressing the growing threat of cyberattacks within Kenya’s business landscape. As MSMEs increasingly digitize their operations, they become more vulnerable to hacking, data breaches, and other forms of cybercrime. In many cases, these businesses lack the in-house expertise to manage their own security needs, making affordable, outsourced solutions like those offered by this partnership all the more essential.

In addition to the core cybersecurity services, the partnership is expected to foster greater awareness among MSMEs about the importance of securing their digital assets. Many smaller businesses are unaware of the extent to which they are at risk from cyberattacks, and this partnership aims to change that by not only providing the tools to safeguard their operations but also educating business owners on the importance of a proactive approach to digital security.

Ultimately, the collaboration between Safaricom, Cloudflare, and Copy Cat is poised to transform the cybersecurity landscape for MSMEs in Kenya. By making advanced, reliable, and scalable cybersecurity solutions available at a price point that even the smallest businesses can afford, this partnership promises to help safeguard the country’s vibrant and growing business community against the escalating threats posed by cybercriminals. As more businesses come online and embrace digital tools, ensuring they have the protection they need will be key to maintaining the integrity of Kenya’s digital economy.