Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) and Cyber Shujaa have partner to offer 100 Kenyan students with training on cybersecurity security skills.

The three-month program will admit the first cohort of 70 undergraduate and 30 graduate students with less than two years of work experience through eight cybersecurity modules.

Microsoft ADC Managing Director Catherine Muraga stated that the course will follow a hybrid learning model, with theoretical and practical training provided one-on-one in the classroom and weekly mentorship sessions.

“The participants will receive two Microsoft cybersecurity certificates, putting them in a better position to secure roles in the industry,” Muraga said.

Cyber Shujaa, comprised of Serianu Limited, USIU-Africa, and the Kenya Bankers Association, trains youth in cybersecurity and data protection and has already provided competency-based skills training to over 500 individuals.

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“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,” said Lola Omole-Odubekun, Interim Vice-Chancellor, USIU-Africa.

According to the Microsoft Digital Defence Report 2023, cyber threats 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 evolving threats and protect the digital domain.

“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,” William Makatiani, CEO of Serianu, stated.

“One of our key goals is to increase gainful and high-quality employment among youth who have skills in cybersecurity and data protection,” Makatiani said.

Participants in the program will receive training in eight areas: network security, application security, cloud security, incident response, security architecture, IoT security, and forensics.

The cybersecurity upskilling program joins Microsoft ADC initiatives to improve skills and experience within the tech sector, including the faculty upskilling program, Game of Learners, and the Women Inspiring and Nurturing Women (WINS) mentorship program.