Kenya Expands Cybersecurity Training Despite Decline in Cyber Attacks

Kenya, May 20, 2026 - Kenya is intensifying efforts to build a stronger cybersecurity workforce through expanded training programmes and public-private partnerships, even as the country records a decline in cyber attacks targeting critical digital infrastructure.

The renewed push 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 recognised for excellence in cybersecurity skills development.

According to the Communications Authority, more than 3.3 billion cyber threat events were detected between January and March 2026, representing a 26 per cent decline compared to the October–December 2025 quarter.

The authority also issued more than 20 million cyber threat advisories during the period, marking a five per cent drop from the previous quarter.

Despite the decline, cyber threats continued to target government institutions, banks, universities and internet service providers, highlighting the need for sustained investment in cybersecurity preparedness and digital skills training.

Speaking on behalf of CA Director-General David Mugonyi, Universal Service Fund Director Dennis Chepkwony said the Bootcamp forms part of Kenya’s broader strategy to develop local cybersecurity expertise and strengthen national resilience.

“This Bootcamp is not just a training programme; it is a strategic effort to strengthen national resilience,” Mr Mugonyi said.

The programme attracted more than 3,000 applicants, with 654 students qualifying for online training and more than 200 advancing to instructor-led practical sessions. Only 20 finalists progressed to the final stage after a highly competitive selection process.

Participants were drawn from leading universities and colleges across the country, including the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Strathmore University, Egerton University, USIU, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Maseno University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Daystar University and the Technical University of Mombasa, among others.

The trainees underwent intensive hands-on instruction in network security, encryption, firewall management, threat detection and public key infrastructure to prepare them for increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Mr Mugonyi warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals through AI-assisted phishing, social engineering and automated attack tools had increased the demand for advanced cybersecurity training and practical exposure.

He urged universities and training institutions to align their programmes with emerging digital threats through practical learning approaches such as hackathons, simulations and capture-the-flag competitions.

The Communications Authority said capacity building remains central to Kenya’s national cybersecurity strategy, citing partnerships that have already trained dozens of professionals in threat intelligence sharing and incident response.

Huawei Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cybersecurity talent development through collaboration with government agencies, universities and the private sector.

“The Communications Authority of Kenya together with Huawei are proud to support the development of cybersecurity talent through the 2026 Cybersecurity Bootcamp,” the company said in a statement.

Huawei congratulated the 20 finalists drawn from universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.

“Your achievement reflects the bright future of Kenya’s digital talent ecosystem,” the company said.

The technology firm noted that more than 854 young people had been trained through the programme, helping build “a skilled, ethical and adaptive workforce capable of strengthening Kenya’s cyber resilience and securing the country’s growing digital economy.”

“Together, we are shaping a safer, smarter and secure digital future for Kenya,” Huawei added.

Huawei, which has operated in Kenya for more than 25 years, said it would continue investing in cybersecurity training initiatives targeting students, ICT professionals and public sector officials.

Mr Mugonyi challenged the finalists to uphold ethical standards and embrace continuous learning as cyber threats continue to evolve.