The Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) has partnered with Cyber Shujaa to train 100 students in cybersecurity across Kenya as part of the centre’s goal of improving the cyber-security talent pipeline in the technology sector.
The three-month program will admit the first cohort of 70 undergraduate students and 30 graduate students with less than two years of work experience through eight cybersecurity modules.
The course will follow a hybrid learning model, with theoretical and practical training provided one-on-one in the classroom and weekly mentorship sessions.
Cyber Shujaa, a programme which is comprised of Serianu Limited, USIU-Africa, and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), seeks to train youth in cybersecurity and data protection and has already provided competency-based skills training to over 500 individuals.
Speaking about the initiative, Microsoft ADC MD Catherine Muraga said the programme is aimed at improving skill development in Kenya’s tech industry.
She also said that although cybersecurity is critical to operations in many sectors, it has remained under-resourced in terms of human capital.
“This is ADC’s contribution to establishing Kenya as the go-to destination for cybersecurity professionals, and we are delighted to do so with Cyber Shujaa,” Muraga said.
“The participants will receive two Microsoft cybersecurity certificates, putting them in a better position to secure roles in the industry.”
On her part, USIU-Africa Interim VC Lola Omole-Odubekun said they aim to develop and enhance cutting-edge programs, both academic and co-curricular, that meet 21st-century needs.
“I am particularly glad to see that this initiative aligns very well with our strategic goals as a university,” she said.
“Our strategic plan is designed to address these challenges through a comprehensive approach that focuses on problem-solving through teaching, learning, and research.”
“The Cyber Shujaa program is a prime example of this commitment. By collaborating with industry leaders like Microsoft ADC and leveraging the expertise of Serianu, USIU-Africa, and KBA, we can offer specialized training that directly addresses the skills gap in the cybersecurity industry.”
According to a recent Kaspersky Cybersecurity report, 41 per cent of companies around the world lack enough cybersecurity professionals.
Furthermore, the World Economic Forum and ISC2 report stated that there is a four million cybersecurity professional shortage that must be addressed urgently.
Serianu CEO William Makatiani added that one of the key goals is to increase gainful and high-quality employment among youth who have skills in cybersecurity and data protection.
“We are thrilled to have partners like Microsoft ADC join the initiative, helping us achieve our goal of providing upskilling opportunities in IT and cybersecurity for Kenyan women and men, paving the way for enhanced personal development prospects,” he said.
“So far, we’ve managed to place more than 745 individuals in key roles within the industry after they completed their training with us.”
The Microsoft Digital Defence Report 2023 indicates that cyber threats have become more sophisticated, faster, and larger in scale, posing challenges to the security and resilience of the online ecosystem.
The report also highlights the importance of basic security hygiene, strong partnerships, and AI innovation to combat the evolving threats and protect the digital domain.
“This partnership is not only timely but is envisioned to bring a much-needed boost in the industry, especially in Africa,” Microsoft engineering corporate VP Igor Sakhnov said.
Participants in the program are expected to receive training in eight areas; network security, application security, cloud security, incident response, security architecture, IoT security, and forensics.
