CBK has Launched a Banking Sector Cybersecurity Centre

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has launched a banking sector cybersecurity centre to help protect banks and financial companies from hackers and cybercriminals. This new centre is very important because cyberattacks on banks have been increasing a lot, putting both customers and the banks at risk.

CBK has launched a banking sector cybersecurity centre called the Banking Sector Cybersecurity Operations Centre, or BS-SOC for short. The BS-SOC is part of CBK’s Cyber Fusion Unit, and its main job is to watch out for cyber threats, respond quickly when attacks happen, and investigate cases of cybercrime. It will serve all banks and financial companies regulated by CBK, offering support with cyber threat intelligence, digital forensics, and handling cybersecurity incidents.

This new centre is part of CBK’s bigger plan for 2024 to 2027, and it follows new cybersecurity laws called the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Regulations of 2024. These laws guide how banks should protect themselves from cyberattacks and what to do if something bad happens.

At the same time, CBK is updating its older cybersecurity rules for banks from 2017 and for payment service providers from 2019. Until these new rules are fully ready, all banks and financial companies must follow both the old and new rules, making sure to report any cyber incidents to the banking sector cybersecurity centre within the time limits set by the law.

The Central Bank of Kenya says this entire effort will only work if all the players in the banking sector work closely together. CBK said, “The successful implementation of this initiative requires the full collaboration and cooperation of all stakeholders.” When banks and other groups join forces, they can better defend against cybercriminals who are getting smarter and more dangerous every day.

Cyber threats in Kenya have been growing fast. In just the first three months of 2025, the Communications Authority of Kenya reported more than 2.5 billion cyber threat incidents. This shocking number shows that cyberattacks are not slowing down and must be taken very seriously.

CBK’s own data shows that hackers stole a record $12 million, or about 1.59 billion Kenyan shillings, from bank customers in 2024. This shows how quickly digital banking is growing, but also how security has not caught up to protect customers enough.

The banking sector cybersecurity centre will help fix this problem by keeping a close eye on cyber threats and helping banks respond faster when attacks happen. By sharing information about dangers and incidents, the centre will help all banks stay prepared and protected.

CBK launching a banking sector cybersecurity centre is a very positive step for Kenya’s financial world. Digital banking is giving many people easier ways to use money services, but it also means banks and customers face new risks. The BS-SOC will help close the security gaps and stop cyberattacks that can cause money loss and destroy trust in banks.

In summary, the Central Bank of Kenya has launched a banking sector cybersecurity centre to fight cybercrime and protect customers. This centre will play a big role in spotting cyber threats, investigating crimes, and helping banks work together to respond quickly and strongly. It shows CBK’s serious commitment to keeping Kenya’s banking system safe as more people use digital banking services.

By starting this centre, CBK hopes to make the whole banking sector stronger and safer, so people can trust digital money services. This is very important for Kenya’s economy to grow while keeping customer money and information safe. The banking sector cybersecurity centre is a major step forward in protecting Kenya’s banks and their customers from cyber hackers.

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