USIU- Africa’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Tiyambe (Left) and Cyber Security Institute’s CEO, Dr. Mark Matunga during an MOU signing ceremony held at the University. The partnership will see both institutions leverage on existing infrastructure to grow the country’s expertise on cyber security as Kenya increasingly strengthens its capacity to respond to technology and data security issues. PHOTO: Ernest Mwanzi

By Brenda Odhiambo
USIU-Africa and the Cyber Security Institute (CSI) have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see both institutions offer research and innovation, training and capacity building programs in cyber security. In partnership both institutions will leverage on the existing infrastructure to grow the region’s expertise in cyber security.
USIU-Africa Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Zeleza said the partnership will see both USIU-Africa and Cyber Security Institute leverage each other’s resources, knowledge base and unique perspectives to innovatively solve cyber security challenges in the country as Kenya increasingly strengthens its capacity to respond to technology and data security issues.
“The recent launch of Kenya’s Huduma number and the reported opportunities and challenges bring to the fore need for concerted efforts in providing safe use of technology in driving national development. We believe this cooperation will see us advance cybersecurity education programs and research to enable us contribute to the technological growth in the region”, Prof Zeleza added.
“We cannot take lightly the fact that we live in an age fraught with digital and cyber risks. It is for this reason that we were keen to partner with USIU-Africa. Through the partnership, we look forward to working with USIU-Africa and its other partners in tackling the various cybersecurity issues facing our nation, “said Dr. Mark Matunga, Cyber Security Institute’s CEO.
Speaking at the launch, Continuity East Africa’s Country Managing Director, Mr. Eric Kariuki noted that cybersecurity had a close link with business continuity, noting that it was important for businesses to find a way to mitigate risks in the event of business disruptions.
Through the partnership, both USIU-Africa and CSI will establish a Centre of Excellence focused on cyber security services in training and capacity building for education. CSI will support USIU-Africa by bringing in industry expertise to develop a dynamic curriculum both as a concentration and as a certification course based on reputable IT industry standards and known best practices. In conjunction with the University, the Institute will identify potential areas of research in cyber security best practices and provide practical solutions in tackling the biggest challenge in use of technology.