NAIROBI, Kenya, May 20 – Kenya is expanding cybersecurity training programmes and partnerships to strengthen digital security skills, even as the country records a decline in cyber attacks targeting critical systems.
This was highlighted during the 2026 Cybersecurity Bootcamp finals organised by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) in partnership with Huawei Kenya, where top-performing students were awarded for excellence in cybersecurity training.
According to the Communications Authority, Kenya detected more than 3.3 billion cyber threat events between January and March 2026, representing a 26 percent decline compared to the previous quarter.
The authority also issued more than 20 million cyber threat advisories during the period, although attacks continued to target government institutions, banks, universities and internet service providers.
Speaking on behalf of CA Director General David Mugonyi, Director of the Universal Service Fund Dennis Chepkwony said the programme is part of efforts to build local cybersecurity expertise and strengthen the country’s digital resilience.
“This Bootcamp is not just a training programme; it is a strategic effort to strengthen national resilience,” Mugonyi said.
The competition attracted more than 3,000 applicants, with 654 students qualifying for online training and more than 200 advancing to practical instructor-led sessions.
Only 20 finalists reached the final stage of the programme.
Participants came from several universities and colleges, including the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Strathmore University, Kenyatta University, Moi University and Maseno University.
The trainees received practical lessons in areas such as network security, encryption, firewall management, threat detection and public key infrastructure.
The Communications Authority warned that cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools for phishing attacks, social engineering and automated cyber attacks, increasing the need for advanced cybersecurity skills.
Mugonyi urged universities and training institutions to adopt more practical learning approaches such as simulations, hackathons and capture-the-flag competitions to prepare students for evolving digital threats.
Huawei Kenya said it would continue supporting cybersecurity training programmes through partnerships with government agencies, universities and the private sector.
Kaine Zhang, Huawei Kenya’s Country Cybersecurity and Privacy Officer, said the company remains committed to developing local cybersecurity talent through training programmes targeting students, ICT professionals and public sector workers.
The Communications Authority said investments in cybersecurity skills development will remain a key part of Kenya’s national cybersecurity strategy as the country continues to digitise services and expand online platforms.
