Microsoft collaborates with Cyber Shujaa to upskill 100 Kenyan students in cybersecurity

Microsoft has embarked on a collaborative venture with Cyber Shujaa to provide advanced cybersecurity training to 100 students in Kenya, leveraging the resources of its Africa Development Centre (ADC) located in the country. This initiative is a strategic move by Microsoft to contribute to the fortification of the cybersecurity workforce within Kenya’s rapidly expanding tech industry.

Cyber Shujaa is an initiative designed to empower the youth in cybersecurity, founded by a coalition comprising Serianu Limited, United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA). The program is structured to offer a comprehensive learning experience that merges theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. It employs a hybrid educational approach that includes traditional classroom teaching, personalized one-on-one sessions, and consistent mentorship on a weekly basis.

The training program, which spans three months, is specifically aimed at a diverse group of students, consisting of 70 undergraduates and 30 postgraduates who have less than two years of professional experience. The curriculum is designed to be extensive, encompassing eight essential areas of cybersecurity: network security, application security, cloud security, incident response, security architecture, security for the Internet of Things (IoT), and forensic analysis.

Catherine Muraga, the Managing Director of Microsoft’s ADC, highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity for the secure functioning of various sectors and pointed out the current shortage of adequately trained professionals in the field. She emphasized that the collaboration with Cyber Shujaa is a testament to Microsoft’s dedication to nurturing Kenya as a central hub for cybersecurity expertise.

A focal point of the program is to ensure that graduates are equipped with skills that are recognized within the industry. To this end, participants will have the opportunity to obtain two Microsoft cybersecurity certifications, thereby boosting their prospects in the cybersecurity employment landscape.

Igor Sakhnov, Corporate Vice President of Engineering at Microsoft, acknowledged the significance of the partnership with Cyber Shujaa during the inauguration of the program, noting that it will substantially enhance the cybersecurity sector, especially within the African continent.

Cyber Shujaa has a commendable history of success, having already imparted cybersecurity and data protection knowledge to over 500 individuals through its competency-focused training initiatives. The alliance between Microsoft and Cyber Shujaa marks a pivotal advancement in the effort to meet the escalating need for cybersecurity expertise in Kenya and the wider region.