Over 1,000 youthful Kenyan professionals have completed a pioneering initiative at the United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa), acquiring expertise in cyber security and data safeguarding.

Known as ‘Cyber Shujaa,’ the initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce in cybersecurity and strengthen Kenya’s protection against online threats and cyber terrorism.

The Data Protection Officer, Immaculate Kassait, who chaired the event on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, William Kabogo, stated on Wednesday, August 27, that the Cyber Shujaa initiative forms part of Kenya’s shared commitment to create a safe, secure, and robust digital future.

Mrs. Kassait stated that during the past ten years, Kenya has led Africa’s digital advancement.

“From mobile banking and electronic governance to financial technology, healthcare technology, and agricultural technology advancements, we have demonstrated that Africa can take the forefront in developing worldwide digital solutions,” she stated.

Nevertheless, she noted, along with this advancement arises danger. Each breakthrough offers fresh possibilities, yet also introduces new weaknesses, highlighting the issue: do we possess the individuals, expertise, and organizations necessary to safeguard this digital era?

“Cyber Shujaa has offered an impactful response. Within three years, this program has educated over 5,000 youth, helped place more than 2,000 in quality employment opportunities, and assisted numerous individuals in starting their own businesses. It has gone beyond developing technological abilities—it has fostered strength, self-assurance, and optimism,” stated Ms. Kassait.

As per a Cyber Shujaa report, Kenya experienced a 201.7 percent increase in cyber threats during the first quarter of 2025, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya, which documented 2.5 billion cases.

There is a global deficit of 4.8 million cyber security specialists, whereas Kenya currently possesses approximately 2,000 qualified individuals, despite requiring between 40,000 and 50,000 such professionals.

Mrs. Kassait mentioned that more than 7,000 public sector workers, such as those involved with the e-Citizen system, have received training under the Cyber Shujaa program.

Zilpher Awiti, the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Authority, shared similar views, referring to cyber security as a “top national concern.”

“The Cyber Shujaa initiative has demonstrated that when the government, universities, and businesses work together, they can turn youth joblessness into an asset for strength, creativity, and country safety,” Ms. Awiti stated.

Modern-day graduates aren’t just protecting systems; they’re safeguarding Kenya’s online tomorrow.

Introduced in March 2022, Cyber Shujaa — which means “Cyber Warrior” in Swahili — is an initiative led by Serianu Limited, USIU-Africa, and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), supported by the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE).

The curriculum provides practical instruction in popular fields such as security analysis, cloud and network security, digital investigation, regulatory compliance, and information safeguarding.

Students earn internationally acknowledged credentials through partner organizations such as Microsoft, EC-Council, ISACA, (ISC)², CompTIA, AWS, and Cisco.

William Makatiani, chief executive officer of Serianu and the project’s primary executor, outlined how it developed from a trial phase into one of Africa’s most significant cyber security programs.

“By providing thousands of young people with advanced abilities and connecting them to valuable job opportunities, Cyber Shujaa demonstrates that Africa possesses the capability to take the forefront in one of the globe’s most significant sectors,” Makatiani stated.

Professor Amos Njuguna, the Deputy Vice Chancellor at USIU-Africa, highlighted the significance of connecting academic institutions with the industrial sector.

“Cyber Shujaa connects academic education with what the industry demands, while simultaneously encouraging creativity and scholarly work,” he mentioned.

In the meantime, Ms. Bernice Onyango of KBA pointed out the achievements within the banking industry: “The banking sector is encountering more advanced cybersecurity challenges, and possessing qualified personnel is now indispensable.”

Cyber Shujaa tackles the imbalance between genders within the cyber security field via specific initiatives such as women-focused cybersecurity training programs and mentoring schemes designed to increase female involvement.

A new industry study conducted by the program found that 36 percent of companies interviewed do not have any female members in their cyber defense groups, with positions such as digital forensics, application security, and penetration testing being most challenging to staff.

Shortcomings in domains such as self-promotion, business acumen, and management abilities were also highlighted.

In the future, Ms. Kassait highlighted three key focuses: integrating cybersecurity into national growth strategies, broadening educational programs across the country, and promoting equal participation of women.

“None of the countries should be able to ignore the potential of half their population,” she stated, encouraging businesses to support training programs and establish Kenya as a center for skilled professionals in the region.

With Kenya speeding up its digital economic growth through initiatives like mobile money and electronic governance, Cyber Shujaa serves as an example of transforming obstacles into possibilities.

“Through programs such as Cyber Shujaa, we are demonstrating to the globe that Kenya has the capability to engage in the worldwide digital economy and furthermore take the initiative in developing a safe and accessible digital community,” stated the Data Commissioner.