JOOUST graces the ISACA Kenya GRC conference
As we close the October Cyber security Awareness month, Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Kenya chapter ended the month with a bang! ISACA Kenya held a one-week conference profiling experienced speakers on Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC)at the Sarova Imperial Hotel, Kisumu. The scope of the presentations covered Governance, Risk and Compliance in lean times. The event was attended by delegates as far as from Botswana, Uganda, South Africa and many others from Kenya. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology was well represented by a team of four students led by the Dean, School of Informatics and Innovative Systems Prof. Solomon Ogara.
ISACA is a global body of professionals from Cyber security, accounting, audit, IT persons, and bankers among others. The week started by a visit by the ISACA team to the university to engage students pursuing IT and Business courses. The team emphasized on the importance of getting certifications while still in school, which are a requisite in the industry. The Chief Executive Officer, Preston Odera extended warm greetings to the audience, lauding them for embracing of this noble initiative aimed at coping with the economic down turn. He was accompanied by student representatives to the event. The four students representing JOOUST were Eudine Oyier, Ann Wangómbe, Denver Kulecho and Gordon Odhiambo.
While giving the opening remarks, chapter president Dr. Mercy Omollo shared on the benefits of gaining an ISACA membership. JOOUST students took this opportunity to network and engage the captains of industry with questions. Dr. Katherine Getao, a 40-year experienced lecturer of Computer Science took to stage an inspirational speech on technology and Artificial Intelligence stating that in spite of the benefits of technology, there is still need for human’s resource in automated systems. She also encouraged university students to work smart and try to be unique as they exit campus s as to create more jobs in this competitive world.
On the second day of the conference Professor Solomon Ogara made a presentation on Data privacy and Protection relation to the theme. He urged the delegates to consider protecting data in their day-today practice. He further reiterated the importance of professional bodies such as ISACA conducting mentorship programmes among the youth. “Having taught many students in US and being the students’ counselor, I gather that the main problem facing our Kenyan students is the lack of mentorship” said Prof. Ogara.
Dr. Raphael Gathecha, a cyber-security engineer, emphasized that organizations need to incorporate a cyber-security personnel in the organization structure. He also advised the students to be hands on in acquiring the necessary skill sets. In closing, the one- week conference culminated with an award ceremony recognizing the cyber-security personality of the year. The students were urged to embrace certification as tool for onward transition into the industry and increase their focus on the digital trust to empower diversity.
