At an age where digital transformation is changing every aspect of our lives, the public sector in Kenya stands at a critical time.
With the recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the Kenyan government has been working to exploit these benefits while balancing citizen needs and financial constraints.
The time for strategic action is now as the digital economy is projected to contribute Ksh662 billion to Kenya’s GDP by 2028, driven by policy reform and infrastructure investment.
The key needs of public sector proficiency are not to overlook medium-term careers and ongoing skill development in the public sector, while youth skills initiatives dominate the conversation – particularly given the youthful population of Africa.
If government agencies want to form the backbone of our nation and build a truly digital society, it is essential that we prioritize strengthening technology skills among civil servants.
Development of public sector technology skills is to ensure that government services are accessible, efficient and secure in the digital age.
More and more, the Kenyan government is offering digital services that citizens can use online.
For example, the integration of M-PESA with For For Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) streamlined the process of paying electricity bills to customers, whether they are prepaid or postpaid customers.
Technically proficient officials can better understand, implement and manage digital initiatives and drive improved service delivery and innovation that benefits all Kenyans.
However, the acceleration of digital conversions brings about an increasingly risky cybersecurity environment.
While cybersecurity in Kenya is a global challenge, cyberattacks on government infrastructure are escalating dramatically. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies and sophisticated cybercrime are exacerbating the complexity of the cybersecurity landscape.
ITU Global Cybersecurity Report 2024 further highlights the significant rise in ransomware attacks, digital fear tor, and other cyber threats targeting government agencies and critical infrastructure.
Between July 2022 and June 2023, we detected over 855 million cyber threats targeting Kenya’s critical information infrastructure.
This makes Kenya, along with South Africa and Nigeria, is one of the top three most targeted countries in the region.
All of Africa, 36% of respondents are less confident in their country’s ability to respond to major cyber incidents targeting critical infrastructure, compared to 15% in Europe and North America.
This disparity underlines the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and the skilled professionals implementing them.
Over the past few years, AI has completely changed the battlefields for both cybercriminals and defenders.
The 2024 Cyber Signal Report reveals a surprising trend in nation-state threat actors using generated AI for malicious purposes.
In recent years, in addition to the rapid development and adoption of AI, the speed, scale and refinement of attacks have increased.
Public sector officials strengthening the public sector through public-private partnerships are at the forefront of defending national infrastructure against cyber threats.
Therefore, it is important to raise this group with technical skills in cybersecurity. Skilled officials can better identify, respond and mitigate cyber threats and increase the resilience of public infrastructure.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are invaluable in helping African governments realize their goal of developing strong technical capabilities within the public sector.
The private sector often has the advanced skills and expertise that can be utilized to train public sector officials.
PPP promotes the exchange of innovative solutions and best practices, ensuring that public sector officials are equipped with the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques.
The positive impact on Kenya’s skill development, the National Computer and Cyber Crime Coordination Committee (NC4), supports the goals of the Kenya Digital Master Plan and coordinates national cybersecurity efforts to ensure timely and effective detection, prevention and prosecution of computer misuse and cybercrime.
The Kenya Public Services Commission (PSC) has implemented several initiatives to develop cybersecurity skills among civil servants, partnering with technology companies to promote civic skills and supporting AI and cybersecurity policy development.
These partnerships utilize platforms such as the Ajira program and the Jitume Center for training. Microsoft has emerged as a key partner in Kenya’s digital transformation journey, driving several initiatives that are consistent with the National Digital Master Plan.
Microsoft has partnered with ICT and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish African Capacity Centre and digital and AI skills at the Kenya Government Schools in Nairobi.
It aims to train more than 300,000 civil servants in key areas such as systems thinking, human-centered problem solving and strategic foresight directly to support the government’s goal of strengthening digital literacy among the workforce.
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The company has pledged to train one million Kenyans with AI and cybersecurity skills through the AI National Skilling Initiative (AINSI). This is in line with the government’s broader commitment to training 20 million citizens with digital skills by 2032.
The initiative includes platforms such as the Kenya Skills Hub and Smart Academy.
As Kenya is confidently moving into the digital age, investing in the skilled public sector employees and promoting robust public-private partnerships is not merely beneficial, it is essential.
With civil servants advanced technology and cybersecurity skills, we can strengthen our digital infrastructure, protect national security, and build an innovative and prosperous future that is resilient for everyone.
Progress requires collaboration with government, private sector and international partners.
Together we can make the most of Kenya’s potential and ensure that our country is not only involved, but also leading global digital transformation while addressing our unique challenges and opportunities.
The writer is the AI National Skills Director at Microsoft Africa
