The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Huawei, and the Kenya Cyber Security and Forensics Association (KCSFA) have partnered to run a cybersecurity hackathon.
The cybersecurity hackathon series is for students in Kenyan Universities and Colleges. Notably, the hackathon series will take place in Nairobi, Nyeri, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Mombasa.
This year’s theme is “Building cybersecurity capacity to Power a digitally transformed nation”.
Moreover, the hackathon is part of an ongoing program by the CA and Huawei to develop local cybersecurity capacity. The CA is an industry regulator and Huawei is a major infrastructure partner for local telcos.
Together, the organizations are working towards safeguarding the Kenyan digital economy as it grows.
Hackathon Series is for Students at all levels
Students at all levels of post-high school studies are invited to apply. The application form has options for Diploma, Undergraduate, Post Graduate Diploma, Masters, and PhD students.
On the application form, those wishing to participate must select their preferred region. The onsite venues are Nyeri Region- Dedan Kimathi University, Kisumu Region- Maseno University, Mombasa Region- Technical University of Mombasa, Eldoret Region- Moi University, and Nairobi Region- University of Nairobi.
Hence, the series of competitions will take place in the above-mentioned towns via online and onsite sessions. The student competition will be over a 24-hr period. In addition, the students will get mentors who are real-life experts in cybersecurity.
The competition is scheduled for 20th June 2023. Winners will receive certificates, trophies, cash, and other prizes.
Afterward, regional winners will meet in a national hackathon series. The national series is set for the month of October later in the year.
Last year, there was a three-day training session run from October 17th to 19th 2022 with educational activities designed to build the country’s cyber security capacity and cyber-risk preparedness.
Furthermore, the event included a Huawei Certification e-learning course on cyber security, virtual lab exercises, on-site training, and mentorship from experts within the field.
Be a Cybersecurity Mentor
Due to the Hackathon, the CA is calling on Cybersecurity experts to join the program. Alongside its partners, the authoirty has invited cybersecurity professionals to apply to this year’s mentorship cohort.
Take note the mentorship program will be delivered online. Furthermore, it will take place between June and October 2023 and take up daytime work hours.
Hence, professionals interested in shaping the future of cybersecurity through mentorship may sign up here. Remember the application deadline for Mentorship is June 21st 2023.
