National Cybersecurity Agency non-executive chairman Martin Koyabe training students on cybersecurity threats at Kiambu National Polytechnic on October 12, 2026 /ALICE WAITHERAThe government is targeting young people in technical training institutions to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap and strengthen protection against rising online threats.
The state is using the fifth edition of the Cyber Week Sensitisation Programme to equip trainees with practical digital skills and expose them to career opportunities in the growing industry.
The campaign brought together students and trainers from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions at Kiambu National Polytechnic on Monday.
Martin Koyabe, non-executive chairperson of the National Cyber Security Agency, said although many young people were interested in cybersecurity, they lacked information on how to enter the profession.
“Cybersecurity is really important for the country because we need to build a foundation of citizenry that are aware of the threats,” he explained.
Koyabe said the nationwide campaign was being implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, the Ministry of Education and industry partners.
He identified TVET institutions as key centres for equipping learners with practical skills that meet industry demands and improve their employment prospects.
The initiative came as schools, businesses and government agencies increasingly rely on digital platforms, exposing users to threats such as online fraud, identity theft and data breaches.
Participants during the fifth edition of the Cyber Week Sensitisation Programme at Kiambu National Polytechnic on October 12, 2026 /ALICE WAITHERAKoyabe warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence was creating additional cybersecurity challenges, requiring more skilled professionals to protect digital systems and sensitive information.
He said stronger partnerships between colleges and technology companies were necessary to align training with market demands and create clearer pathways from education to employment.
Koyabe said the government was reviewing its cybersecurity policy framework to address emerging threats and improve coordination among institutions responsible for protecting digital infrastructure.
He said work was underway on a 2026 cybersecurity policy, alongside preparations for the next national cybersecurity strategy.
The agency is working with the Communications Authority of Kenya, the ICT Authority and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner to strengthen cooperation and clarify institutional responsibilities.
Koyabe also highlighted the need to secure digital systems ahead of the election, particularly platforms used to collect, store and access information.
“We are very keen to ensure that we have a ring fence in terms of our security and resilience of our systems,” he said.
The State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training said the campaign would help graduates acquire the competencies needed in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
In remarks delivered on behalf of Principal Secretary Esther Muoria, senior ICT officer Alex Kaira observed that cybersecurity awareness had become essential as institutions adopted digital learning platforms and electronic records.
Muoria said safeguarding digital systems was a shared responsibility involving students, trainers, institutions and other users.
“The future of work is increasingly digital. The future of TVET must therefore be digitally skilled, cyber aware and industry ready,” she said.
Huawei Kenya's director of policy and partnerships Adam Lane during the fifth edition of the Cyber Week Sensitisation Programme at Kiambu National Polytechnic on October 12, 2026 /ALICE WAITHERAShe urged trainees to explore careers in network security, information security, data protection and risk management, saying demand for these skills would grow as organisations expanded their digital services.
The government is also strengthening the country’s cybersecurity framework through legislation, policies, institutional coordination and public awareness initiatives.
The Kenya Cybersecurity Strategy 2022, the Data Protection Act, 2019, and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, provide a foundation for protecting digital systems and personal information.
Participants were being sensitised on cybersecurity career pathways, training opportunities and practical ways of protecting their devices and personal information, including using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links and reporting cyber incidents.
Technology company Huawei is supporting the programme as part of efforts to promote digital skills and strengthen links between training institutions and industry.
Adam Lane, Huawei Kenya’s director of policy and partnerships, said the company had worked with government agencies for several years to support cybersecurity capacity-building and public awareness.
He said the current campaign involved visits to TVET institutions and universities across more than 20 counties over three weeks.
Lane encouraged students to participate in Huawei’s ICT competition, which offers training, professional exposure, prizes and internship opportunities.
Successful teams can also advance to regional and international competitions, including the global finals in China.
He said such collaborations would expose learners to industry expertise and help them acquire relevant workplace skills.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Kenya’s expansion of cybersecurity sensitisation across TVETs and universities directly addresses the national shortage of certified digital security personnel. Supported by legislative frameworks and public-private partnerships with tech firms such as Huawei, this nationwide outreach equips youth with market-ready skills to defend critical systems against escalating global cyber threats.
