Microsoft Africa Development Center (Microsoft ADC) and Serianu LTD have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU between the two targets the Kenyan cyber security sector with the bid to further build the cybersecurity talent pool within the country.
In the partnership, the United States International University (USIU) has been selected as the official university partner. USIU will run a cybersecurity program tailored to equip cyber-security professionals with the skills needed to safeguard digital infrastructure.
Further, as part of the program, 100 students from 10 public and private universities will be selected. They will be taken through the comprehensive cyber security skilling course as part of the first cohort. Upon graduation, this cohort will get placement in Kenyan banks through the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA).
“This strategic alliance represents a significant milestone for us, as we seek to enhance cyber-security skills;” wrote Catherine Muraga, Managing Director Microsoft ADC in Kenya. “I am looking forward to the graduation of this 1st cohort and to scaling this program,” she added.
Microsoft ADC’s program follows similar initiatives like the ones launched by Safaricom and Amazon last year.
READ: Most Kenya ICT Sector Workers Have Tertiary Degrees, but Skills Gap Persists
This initiative also comes after an MSP Perspectives Survey of 2024, revealed that the biggest challenge is in cybersecurity is staying up to date with the latest solutions. The survey also found that cybersecurity skills shortage is the biggest risk the industry currently faces.
The Africa Development Center (ADC) are currently located in both Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria. The two represent Microsoft’s first-ever development centers in Africa. However, there have been reports the Nigerian Microsoft ADC is set to be shut down.
