Microsoft ADC & Cyber Shujaa Partner To Upskill Kenyans In Cybersecurity

The Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) has partnered with Cyber Shujaa to upskill 100 Kenyan students in cybersecurity.

The initiative targets 70 undergraduate and 30 graduate students with less than two years of work experience, selected to participate in the intensive three-month program.

The program encompasses eight comprehensive cybersecurity modules delivered through a hybrid learning model, with theoretical and practical instruction delivered one-on-one in the classroom, as well as weekly mentoring meetings.

“This program is one of several ADC initiatives aimed at improving skill development in Kenya’s tech industry. Although cybersecurity is critical to operations in many sectors, it has remained under-resourced in terms of human capital. This is the ADC’s contribution to establishing Kenya as the go-to destination for cybersecurity professionals, and we are delighted to do so with Cyber Shujaa. The participants will receive two Microsoft cybersecurity certificates, putting them in a better position to secure roles in the industry,” said Catherine Muraga, Managing Director of Microsoft ADC.

Cyber Shujaa, which is comprised of Serianu Limited, USIU-Africa, and the Kenya Bankers Association, focuses on training youth in cybersecurity and data protection. To date, it has provided competency-based skills training to over 500 individuals

Dr Lola Omole-Odubekun, Interim Vice-Chancellor, USIU-Africa said, “I am particularly glad to see that this initiative aligns very well with our strategic goals as a university. Our strategic plan is designed to address these challenges through a comprehensive approach that focuses on problem-solving through teaching, learning, and research.

”We aim to develop and enhance cutting-edge programs, both academic and co-curricular, that meet 21st-century needs. 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 are able to offer specialized training that directly addresses the skills gap in the cybersecurity industry.”

William Makatiani, CEO of Serianu, shared the program’s history and goals,mentioned that, “In 2016, we launched the Cyber Immersion Program with just 8 students. By 2021, the Cyber Shujaa partnership was established, and we trained students from 67 universities nationwide in our inaugural cohort. 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.”

The program aligns with findings from recent reports indicating a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. A Kaspersky Cybersecurity analysis revealed that 41 percent of companies worldwide lack sufficient cybersecurity experts. Additionally, the World Economic Forum and ISC2 report identified a shortfall of 4 million cybersecurity professionals globally.

According to the Microsoft Digital Defence Report 2023, cyberthreats 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.

Speaking during the launch, Igor Sakhnov, Corporate Vice President, Engineering at Microsoft, said, “This partnership is not only timely but is envisioned to bring a much-needed boost in the industry, especially in Africa.” Participants in the program will delve into eight areas including network security, application security, cloud security, incident response, security architecture, IoT security, and forensics, preparing them comprehensively for the cybersecurity landscape.

The cybersecurity upskilling program complements other Microsoft ADC initiatives such as the faculty upskilling program, Game of Learners, and the Women Inspiring and Nurturing Women (WINS) mentorship programme, all aimed at fostering skills and experience within the tech sector.