Kenya’s next cybersecurity champions were celebrated this week at the closing ceremony of the CyberGames Kenya event, marking the end of an intensive 10-week “Capture the Flag” competition that tested and grew the skills of aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Speaking at the event, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, lauded the participants for their dedication and resilience, describing the competition as more than a test of technical skill.
“Over these past weeks, each of you dived deep into the complex world of cybersecurity, but this competition wasn’t just a test of your technical skills. It was also a test of your creativity, your ability to work with others, and your perseverance during times of frustration and uncertainty,” he said.
Eng Tanui highlighted the crucial role cybersecurity now plays in everyday life, quoting Stephane Nappo, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and a few minutes of a cyber incident to ruin it.”
The PS emphasised that the skills gained through the CyberGames would equip participants to safeguard not only data and systems but also the trust and reputations on which the digital world depends.
The competition covered five key areas, which are cryptography, malware analysis, digital forensics, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and offensive security.
“Cryptography is about trust and privacy. Malware analysis blends technology with psychology and strategies. In digital forensics, you acted as real-world detectives. OSINT showed you how to find valuable information responsibly. Your Offensive Security puts you in the shoes of attackers to find weak points before the bad guys do,” Eng. Tanui said.
He encouraged the young participants to stay curious and keep learning and also urged them to give back by mentoring others and advocating for safer systems.
“Cybersecurity is not just an IT problem. It’s a societal challenge that touches governments, hospitals, schools, small businesses, and every one of us who uses a digital device,” he concluded.
In her remarks, Her Excellency Katarina Zuffa, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat for the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Kenya, underscored Slovakia’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s digital and cybersecurity growth.
“Kenya is undoubtedly one of the region’s leaders in digital advancement. We are ready to support you, with your consent, in safeguarding your cyberspace. We are a trustworthy partner,” she said.
Ambassador Zuffa celebrated the success of Slovak companies such as East Side, which have partnered in the initiative, and commended the Kenyan participants for their impressive performance.
“Congratulations to all of you participating in the challenge. Our National Security Authority has been very impressed by the Kenyan counterpart, the ICT Ministry, as well as the people participating. They observed very carefully, but it seems there was no need because you are very skilled,” she said.
She further stressed the importance of continued collaboration and capacity building between Kenya and Slovakia.
“We have a long-standing tradition of cooperation. I am very happy that we do have some shared housemate solutions, government-to-government, to help you connect in the cybersecurity sphere,” she noted.
During the ceremony, the top 11 participants were awarded certificates and prizes in recognition of their outstanding performance, innovation, and teamwork.
The top three overall performers were Stephen Waweru, Carlos Githui, and Eve Maina. They were celebrated for excelling across all categories, while Skylar Wambui was recognised as the Youngest Star.
Other awardees included Ochieng George Williams, Calvin Kimani Ndichu, Washington Adiado, James Kilonzo, Peter Nzomo, Daniel Nthongoi, and Victoria Ntinyari.
The event culminated on a high note, with calls for sustained partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and a collective commitment to protect and strengthen the digital future.
By Fride Amiani and Daniel Kamau
