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The Kenyan government has issued a stern warning to public employees against using personal laptops and communication devices for official duties, citing growing concerns over data breaches and cybersecurity threats.
Speaking during a performance contracting workshop at Teleposta Towers, Human Resource Information Systems Assistant Director Dickson Kinyua emphasized that storing sensitive government data on private devices exposes vital information to cyber intruders and unauthorized access. The directive is part of a broader move to safeguard national data integrity amid rising cases of digital vulnerabilities.
Kinyua called for improved cybersecurity awareness within the public sector, urging employees to combine responsible digital behavior with technology-based security measures. He noted that the use of personal devices for government work, especially without proper encryption or security protocols, remains a major loophole that hackers can exploit. The assistant director further warned that any loss or tampering of sensitive files due to poor device management could lead to serious consequences for the affected officers.
The Directorate of Human Resource Management also urged civil servants to maintain a positive public image, cautioning against inappropriate behavior in social spaces. Officers were reminded that their conduct, both online and offline, reflects directly on the government’s reputation.
In particular, excessive drinking, domestic violence, and reckless social engagements were flagged as unacceptable behaviors for public servants. The event also served as a refresher on the Performance Contracting Regulations 2021, which require all civil servants to sign their performance contracts by August 30 each year.