Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA), in collaboration with Chinese technology giant Huawei, has pledged to boost investments in the country’s expanding digital landscape by enhancing cybersecurity expertise to tackle the rising threat of cyber attacks.
During the 2025 Cybersecurity Bootcamp Award Ceremony, the Director General (DG) of the CA, David Mugonyi, underscored the Authority’s crucial role in managing spectrum and ensuring cybersecurity.
The government of Kenya believes initiatives such as the Huawei bootcamp have played a crucial role in developing young local cyber defenders, who have shown exceptional skills to address real-world cybersecurity challenges.
“The skills and knowledge gained here will not only help protect organizations but also strengthen Kenya’s resilience against evolving cyber threats. I applaud all the participants for their dedication and commitment to learning.” Noted the CA DG.
Mugonyi reiterated that one of the Authority’s key responsibilities is managing the spectrum, the vital resource telecommunications companies rely on for communication. He also highlighted the importance of supporting e-commerce and cybersecurity initiatives. To achieve this important mandate, he confirmed that the agency will collaborate with organizations that have proven expertise in these areas, such as Huawei.
“As the Communications Authority of Kenya, we remain committed to fostering a secure digital space through capacity building, policy development, and collaboration with industry stakeholders,” he said
“We help the country to be secure because that is part of the work we do,” Mugonyi affirmed, noting that the rising threat of cyberattacks has underscored the urgent need for more trained professionals in the digital network field.
“Globally, there are about 14 institutions which can claim to be cyber secure, representing approximately six per cent of institutions; hence, nobody can say they are cyber secure,” asserted the DG.
He further noted that as internet access expands across Kenya, cybersecurity threats are concurrently rising, resulting in an increased demand for cybersecurity professionals to protect the nation’s digital landscape.
“We need more people in this cyber industry to help Kenyans so that they can be secure in that environment,” Mugonyi rallied.
Echoing his sentiments, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Huawei Kenya, Steven Zhang, acknowledged that the CA plays a vital role in safeguarding Kenya’s cyberspace.
Zhang pointed out that Huawei Kenya has maintained a long-standing partnership with the CA and the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, affirming the firm’s commitment to supporting the integrity of cyberspace.
“I believe this cybersecurity collaboration is a wonderful example of partnership with all sides, contributing experts, technical support, content, staff, online platform, and other resources,” expressed Zhang.
He added that Huawei, a key partner in the initiative, is dedicated to aiding Kenya’s cyber security agenda, where it has been operational for over 25 years.
“Huawei, as the global ICT leader, takes cybersecurity seriously, and we are proud of our track record in Kenya. We have gained the trust of our partners, customers in telecommunications, banks, government agencies, the private sector, and individual consumers,” stated the Deputy CEO.
“We will continue to do our utmost to provide a secure solution for our customers in Kenya that will keep the country safe, alongside further cybersecurity training for government officials, industry experts, students, and other Kenyan citizens,” Zhang vowed.
The Director of Cybersecurity at the Communications Authority, Dr. Vincent Ngundi, noted that the initiative, which has benefited from various collaborations, began in 2022 with approximately 1,700 students participating.
“Since 2022, we have seen tremendous growth in the number of student applications, soaring to over 6,000, the highest to date,” he said.
Additionally, Dr. Ngundi emphasised that cybersecurity remains a pressing issue, stating, “Cybersecurity continues to be a national concern, and it is our duty to ensure that students from all regions can benefit from these opportunities.”
He revealed that the initiative aims to prepare students for professional careers and act as a stepping stone for those looking to enter the workforce.
