Kenya has recently announced its plans to establish a center of excellence aimed at enhancing the digital skills of public sector staff. The initiative, backed by tech giant Microsoft and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), aims to equip civil servants with the necessary digital skills to advance the digitization efforts in the country. However, cybersecurity training, a crucial aspect of digital transformation, seems to have been overlooked in the agenda.
According to a report by We Are Tech Africa, the center of excellence will focus on training public sector employees in various digital skills, including broadband connectivity, cloud infrastructure, smart technology adoption, government paperless office strategies, and online platforms for common services. This aligns with one of the objectives stated in Kenya’s Digital Master Plan 2022-2032, which aims to utilize information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance government service delivery to citizens.
Despite the comprehensive training being offered, the absence of any mention of cybersecurity or data protection raises concerns. Dark Reading reached out to the Kenyan Ministry of ICT for comment on whether cybersecurity training will be included in the center’s agenda, but no response was received. Experts in the field emphasize the importance of cybersecurity in driving digital success and urge the inclusion of cybersecurity training in such initiatives.
Confidence Staveley, the founder of Cybersafe Foundation, an NGO focused on promoting safer internet use in Africa, suggests that the current digital training could serve as a foundation for developing cybersecurity talent in the future. She emphasizes the need to address the low digital literacy rate among public workers in Africa, as many are accustomed to traditional paper-based practices rather than digital systems. Staveley commends the initiative to upskill public workers but emphasizes the importance of incorporating cybersecurity into the training to ensure safe and responsible digital practices.
The establishment of the center of excellence in Kenya follows a broader trend in the region. In February, an ICT center of excellence was opened at the United States International University-Africa in Kenya, further highlighting the country’s commitment to developing digital skills. Additionally, in October 2022, the UNDP and Microsoft signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore partnerships and define pathways to improving digital skills in Nigeria. These initiatives demonstrate a growing recognition of the importance of digital literacy and skills development in driving economic growth and government efficiency.
The omission of cybersecurity training from the agenda of the center of excellence in Kenya highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to digital skills development. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on digital technologies, the risk of cybersecurity threats continues to grow. Ensuring that public sector employees are equipped with the necessary cybersecurity skills is essential to safeguarding sensitive data, protecting critical infrastructure, and maintaining public trust.
In conclusion, while Kenya’s plans to establish a center of excellence for digital skills training in the public sector is commendable, the absence of cybersecurity training raises concerns. To fully realize the benefits of digitization and safeguard against cybersecurity threats, it is crucial to integrate cybersecurity education and training into such programs. By doing so, Kenya can ensure that its public servants are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly, ultimately advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda.