Cisco Unveils First Cybersecurity Technology Experience Centre in Africa at University of Nairobi

NAIROBI—Cisco has inaugurated its first Cybersecurity Technology Experience Centre in Africa at the University of Nairobi, marking a significant expansion of its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program into the continent.

According to Kenya News Agency, Cisco’s Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer, the centre was launched in partnership with the University of Nairobi and the ICT Authority (ICTA). The facility is designed to serve as a hub for Cyber Security Training and demonstrate cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. The event, held at the university’s Chiromo Campus, drew notable attendees including the University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama and ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui.

Eng. Tanui highlighted the Centre’s role in enhancing Kenya’s strategic cybersecurity capabilities through training and expertise leveraging Cisco’s Networking Academy. “The centre will employ Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) tools to enhance cyber security awareness among government officials and the industry across Africa,” he stated.

The Centre aims to showcase the latest cybersecurity threat intelligence solutions and support the government with cybersecurity architecture, including use cases and validated designs essential for effective threat detection, prevention, and response. Eng. Tanui emphasized that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s strategic priorities and supports the nation’s vision for a digitally inclusive and prosperous society.

“Cisco’s involvement in Kenya’s digital transformation journey is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing strategic priorities and realizing our vision for a digitally inclusive and prosperous nation,” Eng. Tanui added.

Katsoudas spoke about the importance of community connectivity and the ability to respond to cyber threats in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape. “This partnership between CDA and Cisco Networking Academy enables us to equip more people with the necessary skills for the future and strengthen the country’s cyber defenses,” she noted.

Shain Rahim, Country Leader for Cisco Kenya, called for collaborative efforts to protect against cybercrime and invited government, educational institutions, and private sector organizations to engage in this initiative. “We believe we can make an important and tangible difference in the industry and help accelerate the country’s digital transformation,” Rahim said.

The initiative comes at a time when cyber threats are increasing globally. The Communications Authority of Kenya documented a significant surge in cyber-attacks in 2023, coinciding with a global skills gap in cybersecurity. The latest Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index shows that 86 percent of organizations worldwide are impacted by a shortage of cybersecurity talent.

The CDA program in Kenya, established in 2023, works closely with Cisco’s Networking Academy, which has been active in Kenya for over 20 years and has trained more than 130,000 learners in networking, cybersecurity, programming, and other digital skills.