The training is part of the centre’s goal to improve the cyber-security talent pipeline in the technology sector in Kenya.

Microsoft, through its Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Kenya, has announced plans to train 100 students in cybersecurity across Kenya.

The training will be done in partnership with Cyber Shujaa, a youth-focused program delivered by a consortium of 3 partner organizations: Serianu Limited, United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) and Kenya Bankers Association (KBA).

The training is part of the centre’s goal to improve the cyber-security talent pipeline in the technology sector in Kenya.

The three-month program will admit the first cohort of 70 undergraduate students, and 30 graduate students with less than two years of work experience. The course consists of eight cybersecurity modules and follows a hybrid learning model, with theoretical and practical training provided one-on-one in the classroom and weekly mentorship sessions.

“Although cybersecurity is critical to operations in many sectors, it has remained under-resourced in terms of human capital. This is the ADC's contribution to establishing Kenya as the go-to destination for cybersecurity professionals, and we are delighted to do so with Cyber Shujaa,’’ said Catherine Muraga, MD of Microsoft ADC.

‘’The participants will receive two Microsoft cybersecurity certificates, putting them in a better position to secure roles in the industry,” she added

Cyber Shujaa trains youth in cybersecurity and data protection and has already provided competency-based skills training to over 500 individuals.

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

This cybersecurity upskilling program is part of Microsoft ADC's broader initiatives aimed at improving skills and experience within the tech sector, including the faculty upskilling programme, Game of Learners, and the Women Inspiring and Nurturing Women (WINS) mentorship programme.