Huawei Kenya trains students and officials in cybersecurity

Huawei Kenya trains students and officials in cybersecurity

Huawei Kenya has taken its message about online safety and technology careers to students and government officials in Kiambu County, through a cybersecurity awareness and ICT competition held at Kiambu National Polytechnic.

The event brought learners, technology stakeholders and public officials together to build digital skills and encourage safer use of the internet. It was attended by National Cybersecurity Authority Chairperson Martin Koyabe, officials from the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, and Huawei Kenya’s Director of Policy and Partnerships, Adam Lane.

Huawei said the initiative aimed to give students knowledge of cybersecurity, introduce them to emerging technologies and help them understand the skills needed in a changing digital economy. The competition also offered a chance to apply classroom learning to real challenges, test problem-solving abilities and connect with
people working in the technology industry.

The training comes as Kenya faces a rise in online threats. Data from the Communications Authority of Kenya cited in the report shows that more than 11.1 billion cyber threat events were detected during the 2025/2026 financial year. That was a 29 per cent increase from about 8.6 billion events in the previous financial year.

These threats can affect people, businesses and government agencies. They include fake messages designed to steal passwords, harmful software, identity theft, SIM-swap fraud and attempts to access mobile money accounts. Precautions, such as using strong, unique passwords, avoiding suspicious links and protecting personal information, can reduce risks.

For young Africans, cybersecurity skills are important for two reasons: protection and opportunity. Knowing how to recognise scams helps students safeguard their accounts, money and personal details.

Learning how networks, devices and data are secured can prepare them for careers in network security, software development, data protection and other technology fields.

As more schools, businesses and public services move online, the need for people who can keep digital systems safe is increasing. Initiatives that connect education with practical training can help young people become safer internet users, skilled workers and innovators who contribute to Africa’s digital future.