Over 1,000 Kenyan youth graduate as cyber warriors amid surging digital threats

Dubbed ‘Cyber Shujaa’, the programme is meant to build workforce around cybersecurity and fortify Kenya’s defenses against cyber-attacks and cyberterrorism.

Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, who presided over the ceremony on behalf of ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, said the Cyber Shujaa programme is part of Kenya’s collective determination to build a safe, secure, and resilient digital future.

Ms. Kassait said that over the last decade, Kenya has been at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation. 

“From mobile money and e-government to fintech, healthtech, and agritech innovations, we have shown that Africa can lead in shaping global digital solutions,” she said.

However, she added, "with this progress comes risk. Every innovation creates new opportunities, but also new vulnerabilities, bringing to the fore the question, do we have the people, the skills, and the institutions to secure this digital future?"

“Cyber Shujaa has provided a powerful answer. In just three years, this initiative has trained more than 5,000 young people, placed over 2,000 into decent jobs, and supported dozens to launch their own enterprises. It has done more than build technical skills — it has built resilience, confidence, and hope,” said Ms Kassait.

According to a Cyber Shujaa report, Kenya recorded a 201.7% rise in cyberattacks in the first quarter of 2025, with 2.5 billion incidents reported by the Communications Authority of Kenya. Globally, there’s a shortage of 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals, while Kenya has only about 2,000 skilled experts against a need for 40,000–50,000.

Ms Kassait said that over 7,000 government employees, including those from the e-Citizen platform, have been trained through the Cyber Shujaa initiative. 

Zilpher Awiti, Acting CEO of the ICT Authority, echoed these sentiments, calling cybersecurity a “national priority.” 

“The Cyber Shujaa programme has proven that when government, academia, and industry collaborate, we can transform youth unemployment into a source of resilience, innovation, and national security,” Ms Awiti said. “Today’s graduates are not only securing systems; they are securing Kenya’s digital future.”

Launched in March 2022, Cyber Shujaa – Kiswahili for “Cyber Warrior” – is a consortium effort by Serianu Limited, USIU-Africa, and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), funded by the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE). 

The programme offers hands-on training in high-demand areas like security analysis, cloud and network security, digital forensics, governance risk and compliance, and data protection. Graduates receive globally recognised certifications from partners, including Microsoft, EC-Council, ISACA, (ISC)², CompTIA, AWS, and Cisco.

William Makatiani, CEO of Serianu and the program’s lead implementer, described its evolution from a pilot to one of Africa’s most impactful cybersecurity initiatives. 

“By equipping thousands of youths with cutting-edge skills and linking them to meaningful employment, Cyber Shujaa is proving that Africa has the talent to lead in one of the world’s most critical industries,” Makatiani said.

Prof. Amos Njuguna, Deputy Vice Chancellor at USIU-Africa, stressed the importance of bridging academia and industry. 

“Cyber Shujaa bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations, while also fostering innovation and research,” he noted. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Bernice Onyango from KBA highlighted the banking sector’s gains: “The banking sector is facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, and having skilled professionals is no longer optional—it is essential.”

Cyber Shujaa addresses the gender disparity in the cybersecurity space through targeted efforts, including women in cybersecurity bootcamps and mentorship programmes to boost female participation. 

A recent industry report from the programme revealed that 36 per cent of surveyed firms have no women in their cybersecurity teams, and roles like digital forensics, software security, and ethical hacking are hardest to fill. Soft skills gaps in areas like personal branding, entrepreneurship, and leadership were also flagged.

Looking forward, Ms. Kassait outlined three priorities: mainstreaming cybersecurity into national development, expanding training nationwide, and championing gender inclusivity. 

“No country can afford to leave half of its talent behind,” she said, urging industry to invest in apprenticeships and position Kenya as a regional talent hub.

As Kenya accelerates its digital economy from mobile money to e-government, Cyber Shujaa stands as a model for turning challenges into opportunities. 

“With initiatives like Cyber Shujaa, we are showing the world that Kenya can not only participate in the global digital economy but also lead in building a secure and inclusive digital society,” said the Data Commissioner.