Over 1,000 graduate as Kenya ramps up cybersecurity workforce

More than 1,000 young graduates have completed cybersecurity training under the Cyber Shujaa Programme, as Kenya intensifies efforts to bridge the skills gap in a rapidly expanding digital economy.

The graduates, alongside industry leaders and partners, gathered at the 7th Cyber Shujaa graduation ceremony held on April 29 at the United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa) in Nairobi.

The programme is implemented by Serianu Limited, USIU-Africa, and the Kenya Bankers Association, with support from the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE).

The event marked a milestone for the initiative, which has trained more than 5,000 young people since its inception, with more than half securing jobs or launching ventures within the cybersecurity ecosystem.

It also coincided with the release of the Cyber Shujaa Industry Report, detailing the programme’s contribution to workforce development and Kenya’s digital transformation.

Kenya’s growing reliance on digital systems across sectors such as banking, e-commerce and government services has heightened exposure to cyber threats, including phishing, ransomware and data breaches.

At the same time, many graduates face unemployment due to a mismatch between academic training and industry needs.

Cyber Shujaa was designed to address this gap by equipping participants with practical, market-relevant skills and linking them to employment opportunities.

The programme combines technical training, certification, mentorship and job placement support, with a focus on hands-on learning through real-world simulations.

Participants are trained in areas such as threat detection, cloud security and incident response, alongside soft skills including communication, teamwork and problem-solving.

Programme data shows that more than 75 per cent of participants complete the training, while over 92 per cent earn industry-recognised certifications.

Thousands of graduates have gone on to secure roles in sectors such as banking, telecommunications and technology.

Beyond employment, the initiative has also contributed to the growth of cybersecurity enterprises and promoted gender inclusion, with women making up nearly 40 per cent of participants.

Industry players say the programme is helping organisations strengthen their cybersecurity posture by expanding the pool of locally trained professionals.

“Digital systems are now the backbone of our economy, and their security is essential to sustaining growth and trust,” said Geoffrey Adundo, Group managing director and CEO of Nation Media Group.

“Programs like Cyber Shujaa are instrumental in developing the talent needed to secure our digital future.”

As cyber risks continue to evolve, demand for skilled professionals is expected to rise, positioning initiatives such as Cyber Shujaa as critical to building a resilient and secure digital economy.