Zetech University students Mburu Karanja and Simon Wafula have garnered national acclaim for their groundbreaking cybersecurity innovation at the 2024 World Skills Kenya Competition. The competition, held at the Kenya School of TVET in Nairobi, saw the duo recognized as first runners-up in the Cyber Security and CISCO Networks category.
Their invention, which focuses on cybersecurity analysis in web and cloud platforms, aims to enhance system security through comprehensive vulnerability assessments and actionable recommendations. This innovation underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in today’s increasingly digital world.
The World Skills Kenya Competition, a significant event organized by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Authority, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and Huawei, brought together some of the nation’s brightest students. This year’s competition emphasized elevating technical skills across various fields, with a spotlight on 12 key areas, including Sustainable Agriculture, Innovative Technology, and Innovative Engineering Solutions.
Karanja and Wafula’s achievement is a testament to their technical expertise and the quality of training at Zetech University. Prof. Alice Njuguna, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Zetech University, lauded their performance, highlighting how the university’s emphasis on practical skills and innovation is preparing students to excel on both national and global stages.
“The recognition of our students at such a prestigious event reflects the high level of training and mentorship provided by Zetech University. Our graduates are not only technically proficient but also competitive internationally,” Prof. Njuguna remarked. She further emphasized that the competition showcased the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of innovation.
The World Skills Kenya Competition is not only a platform to display local talent but also serves as a precursor to the World Skills Africa competition in Zambia in March 2025 and the World Skills global competition in Lyon, France, scheduled from September 10 to 15, 2024. These events aim to highlight and elevate the profile of skilled professionals, integrating international occupational standards into Kenya’s training systems to improve the quality of vocational education and enhance global skills mobility.
Other standout innovations at the competition included Kennedy Kimari’s Automatic Shower Systems, Mike Francis Ng’ang’a’s Face Recognition Security Systems, and Michael Kamau’s Water Quality Monitoring System. These projects reflect the diverse and dynamic fields of innovation crucial to Kenya’s development.
In addition to their recent success, Zetech University students Kevin Gitau and Moses Majengo had earlier made headlines with their innovation, AirSafi, designed to combat air pollution. This project, which monitors air quality and provides real-time notifications, won an award at the Interuniversity Power Learn Project Hackathon, underscoring the university’s commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through innovative solutions.
Prof. Njuguna affirmed the university’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and driving Kenya’s economic and social progress. “We are on the right trajectory and continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Kenya’s tech skills and talents,” she said.
As Zetech University students continue to make significant strides in various fields, their achievements in competitions like World Skills Kenya not only highlight their individual talents but also underscore the university’s role in developing a skilled workforce capable of contributing to Kenya’s growth and global standing.
