The Government Internet eXchange Point (GIXP) will allow government ministries and agencies to peer -- connect directly without going through third parties -- ensuring that the contents are not exposed to malicious hackers, data miners and eavesdroppers, among other security threats.

"The government has concerns about security and privacy; the concerns are well-founded and GIXP will create a sense of control and security," said Michuki Mwangi, general manager at Kenya Internet eXchange Point (KIXP).

Government ministries, agencies and ISPs (Internet service providers) have been peering at the KIXP, which is operated under a public-private partnership. However, there have been concerns that information from security agencies and the Kenya Revenue Authority has been passing through infrastructure that the government has no tight control over.

"Managing secure information during transit is one of the most difficult tasks to implement and maintain effectively," said Alkesh Soneji, Kenya country manager for Cyberoam, a security product company. "In the current network-centric business the challenges are about validating a person’s identity, control[ling] access, and maintain[ing] integrity and privacy of data."

But the government has downplayed the security concerns, arguing that GIXP is motivated by the need by the government to set the pace in ICT infrastructure investment and to attract international investors.