The new experience centre was opened in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) and the University of Nairobi.

Cisco, a multinational technology company, opened a new Cyber security Technology Experience Centre at the University of Nairobi in Kenya last week.

The new experience centre was opened in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) and the University of Nairobi.

Located at the University of Nairobi, the centre aims to support Kenya's cyber defence initiatives through skills programmes and training via the Cisco Networking Academy.

The initiative forms part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme in Kenya, seeking to boost employability and enable the digital economy.

Cisco says the centre will also serve as a space for customers and partners to deepen their understanding of cyber security and learn more about its solutions while leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality.

Speaking at the launch, Francine Katsoudas, executive vice president and chief people, policy, and purpose officer at Cisco, noted that with AI increasing the pace of change in work and lives, there is a need to ensure that communities are connected and have the skills to participate and respond to threats.

“This partnership between CDA and Cisco Networking Academy allows us to equip more people with the skills needed for the future and strengthen the country’s cyber defences. We look forward to working with ministry of information, communications and the digital economy and ICTA on advancing the goals they’ve set in Kenya’s development plan," said Katsoudas.

The Communications Authority of Kenya documented an unprecedented surge in cyber attacks in 2023. At the same time, countries around the globe, including Kenya, are facing a major skills gap.

According to the latest Cisco Cyber security Readiness Index, 86% of organisations globally are impacted by a shortage of cyber security talent.

Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of ICTA, highlighted that the collaboration was timely, adding that the escalation of cyber threats demands significant investments to build resilience and strengthen defences.

He commented: “We are proud to collaborate with technology leaders like Cisco to support our efforts in building a secure digital economy. With the help of the newly inaugurated Cyber security Technology Experience Centre, we can better support organisations in training people and securing digital assets and infrastructure."

In addition, principal secretary of state department for ICT and digital economy, Engineer John Tanui, announced that the government is in the process of coming up with an agency that will deal specifically with cyber security as such the Cisco Centre will be of great help in this endeavour.

"Protecting citizens against cyber crime requires collaboration. Cisco and ICTA invite government, educational institutions, private sector organisations and entities committed to Kenya's cyber security infrastructure and digital transformation to engage in this landmark initiative,” said Shain Rahim, country leader for Cisco Kenya.

“We believe we can make an important and tangible difference in the industry and help accelerate the country’s digital transformation.”