KENET conducted its second regional cybersecurity training at Boma Inn, Eldoret, from 26th to 30th January, 2026. The five-day hands-on workshop brought together 52 ICT specialists drawn from 30 KENET member institutions. The ICANN-grant funded workshop aimed to equip trainees with the knowledge and practical skills required to protect institutional networks, systems, and data from evolving cyber threats. It featured two concurrent training tracks designed to address both infrastructure and service-level security needs. Track 1 covered Securing Institutional Domains, Emails, Websites and Identity Systems, while Track 2 focused on Securing Campus Networks and IT Assets. 

Through a combination of expert-led sessions, hands-on exercises, and interactive discussions, trainees were exposed to emerging cyber risks and contemporary approaches to cyber security within institutional networks. 

Ms. Nyanjau Kimani, Training Project Manager – KENET, guides trainees during the Western Region Cyber Security Training in Eldoret. 

One of the trainees, Dorothy Aryemo from Bukura Agricultural College, lauded the interactive nature of the training, noting that it would help her apply the lessons learned effectively.   

“I thank KENET for facilitating the training, which I would say was both insightful and practical. It improved my understanding of cyber security, and the sessions were well-structured and informative. I learned how to protect systems from vulnerabilities and gained confidence in tackling potential attacks,” she said. 

On his part, Emmanuel Ng’etich from Kenya Highlands University noted that the training was much more than a capacity building workshop since he had an opportunity to connect and learn from his peers in the profession.  

“The opportunity to interact and share experiences with other ICT professionals was particularly valuable, as it broadened our perspectives on real-world challenges and solutions. As an institution that onboarded with KENET a few years ago, we are privileged to benefit from such capacity-building initiatives and look forward to continued learning opportunities.” 

To equip the trainees with knowledge on data protection and compliance requirements, KENET invited a representative from the Office of the Data Protection Commission (ODPC). The session, held on the final day of the training, was facilitated by Ms. Katumbi Mailu, Principal Data Protection Officer from the ODPC Eldoret Regional Office, who highlighted key compliance obligations and best practices for safeguarding institutional and personal data. 

The training was officially closed by Prof. Masibo Lumala, a member of the KENET Management Board, who termed the workshop as an effective way of addressing dynamic cyber threats.  

He noted that, “Cyber threats evolve every day, and attackers have changed their techniques; they exploit new technologies; they target new vulnerabilities. What protected our systems yesterday may not be sufficient today.” 

Prof. Masibo emphasized that cyber security should be treated as a strategic institutional priority rather than an afterthought. Further, he urged the trainees to ensure it remains a focus within their institutions, highlighting that data breaches are likely to increase if adequate measures are not implemented.  

Guest of honour and member of the KENET Management Board, Prof. Masibo Lumala, hands a certificate to Ms. Harriet Wangui from Turkana University College.  

The Eldoret training followed the Nairobi one held in November 2025, with three additional regional trainings scheduled within the financial year in the Central/Eastern, Coast, and Nyanza regions under the project titled “Strengthening Kenya's Cybersecurity Posture: Inclusive Capacity Building across Five Regions.” 

These workshops are part of KENET’s broader commitment to improving the security, resilience, and reliability of digital infrastructure to support research and education in the country.