Kenyan youths gain critical digital skills to tackle cybersecurity challenges

Youths during a training session. [Fablab Winam,Facebook] When Mercy Bodo first heard about the Cape Sky Steak Bootcamp at FabLab Winam, she saw it as a chance to future-proof her career. As a journalist by profession, she had little background in technology, but she was keenly aware of the rapid digital transformation reshaping industries. "We are constantly told that AI is coming to take our jobs," Bodo says. "So, I thought, if technology is an added advantage, why not boost my CV? I applied, not knowing just how much this program would transform my outlook on work and my future." Bodo was among the 63 young Kenyans selected from over 1,000 applicants for the rigorous three-month training in cybersecurity, data analytics and visualization. The program, sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and the World Bank, aimed to equip youth with practical skills relevant to the job market. Fablab Winam, an innovation hub dedicated to equipping young people with marketable skills, marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 63 participants from its intensive three-month KIEP-SKIES Bootcamp. The program focused on cybersecurity and data analytics, two highly sought-after skills in today's digital economy. Youths during a training session. [Fablab Winam,Facebook] For Mercy, stepping into a field as complex as cybersecurity was daunting at first. But she quickly realized how critical it was in today's digital world. "There are so many security breaches happening, and businesses need experts to safeguard their data. This program prepared us to be part of the solution," she explains. Beyond cybersecurity, the bootcamp also focused on data analytics, a field that has become indispensable across industries. "Every sector, from finance to healthcare to media, relies on data. Understanding how to analyze and interpret it is a game-changer," Mercy adds. Her experience at FabLab Winam was far from just theoretical. The hands-on approach ensured that participants could immediately apply what they learned. Many, including Mercy, were able to secure jobs even before completing the course. "For most of us, university gave us theory. But this program gave us skills we could use immediately. Some of my colleagues already have jobs, while others are now so skilled that recruiters are looking for them rather than the other way around," she says. According to Martin Oloo, CEO of FabLab Winam, the program was designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. "We had 1,047 applicants, selected 63, and achieved a 100% completion rate. Forty-four of our graduates have already been attached to various workplaces, with some securing full-time jobs," he reveals. The demand for cybersecurity and data analytics expertise is at an all-time high as businesses grapple with increasing cyber threats and the need for data-driven decision-making. Chairman BOM Fablab Winam, Andrew Lamb speaking to the press on Feb 7, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard] Oloo emphasized the relevance of these skills, stating, "Every business and office needs an expert in cybersecurity. With the emergence of big data, organizations want to understand their data better to drive business decisions. These are very marketable skills that young people need." The program's impact has also caught the attention of local leaders. John Awiti, Kisumu County's Minister for Technical Training and Innovation, believes such initiatives are crucial in shaping the future workforce. "We need more programs like this to equip our youth with relevant skills. The county is keen on partnerships to ensure these opportunities reach more young people," he states. From a national perspective, the government sees digital skills as a pillar of economic development. Philip Maitha, representing the Ministry of Industry, underscores the significance of programs like KIEP-SKIES . "Digital skills are not just about employment. They enable innovation and entrepreneurship. This is why the government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is committed to supporting such initiatives," he says. Michael Otieno, a representative from the Ministry of Industry, reiterated the national government's support for digital skills training, highlighting the importance of such programs in fostering employment and entrepreneurship. "This initiative is part of a broader effort sponsored by the Ministry and the World Bank. The goal is to equip young people with practical skills that make them employable and, more importantly, enable them to create jobs," he explained. Tree planting session at Ogango Primary School on Feb 7, 2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard] He further emphasized the significance of digital skills in economic development, stating, "The digital space is a critical enabler of industries. That's why the government, in partnership with stakeholders, continues to invest in equipping the youth with these competencies." For Mercy, the journey has only just begun. She encourages her peers to embrace digital skills, emphasizing their role in shaping the future. "In the next 10 to 20 years, if you don't have a digital skill, it will be hard to compete in the job market. Cybersecurity and data analytics open doors across industries. This is just the beginning, and I urge my fellow graduates to keep learning because technology is always evolving," she concludes. With programs like the KIEP-SKIES Bootcamp, young Kenyans like Mercy Bodo are not just adapting to the digital age-they are leading it.

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