ICT Shop Becomes Kenya's Go-To For Cyber Security Courses

Kenya is fast becoming a hub for internet-related businesses, with many local start-ups taking the country by storm. One of the sectors experiencing the most growth is… security. It would be an understatement to say that the security industry in Kenya is experiencing significant expansion, with many new companies launching and existing businesses adjusting to the changing demands of a new digital economy.

With so much growth in the sector, it's vital that we establish formalised business structures that provide support for those looking to venture into the industry. Many businesses in Kenya are turning to the ICT Shop in Kenya sector to establish themselves, with tech-related start-ups and established businesses alike looking to the internet for inspiration.

One of the businesses heavily inspired by the internet is ICT Shop. Launched by former UK Ambassador to Kenya Simon Collinson, ICT Shop provides personal security equipment to businesses and individuals in Kenya, as well as offering consultancy services to the security industry.

The security consultancy branch of ICT Shop was launched in 2013, with the personal security equipment side of the business opening for business in 2015. In the last year alone, ICT Shop has experienced a 400% growth in the number of businesses and individuals using its equipment.

Headquartered in Nairobi, with a branch in Mombasa, ICT Shop is a private limited company, authorised and regulated by the Companies (Registration) Act 2000 and listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange.

Key to ICT Shop's growth is down to the changing attitude towards security in Kenya. Whereas in the past, individuals would only begrudgingly resort to security guards after a traumatic experience, today's cyber-security conscious citizenry expect convenience and comfort in their personal safety measures. Thanks to technological advances such as smart phones and self-driving cars, as well as greater availability and familiarity with the internet, people are now more likely to seek security online than face-to-face.

This was reflected in the annual survey conducted by Aberro UK in 2018, which identified cyber-security as the biggest threat to business in the world (22%). In a world first, ICT Shop became one of the first businesses to respond to this trend, with an online store launching in October 2016.

The expansion of cyber security into a full-blown career was epitomised by London-based Cyber Security Jobs, which listed over 150 jobs available worldwide. Not only is Kenya a hub for tech-related businesses, but many of those companies are starting to capitalise on the ever-evolving cyber security industry, creating exciting opportunities for those looking to break into the field.

The demand for cyber security professionals is expected to grow by 20% in the next two years alone. In light of this trend, it's little wonder why Cyber Security Jobs, along with Wondershuttle, have established a cyber security academy in Nairobi, with courses available to both beginners and experienced professionals.

What Will The Future Of ICT Shop Look Like?

Already, ICT Shop is establishing itself as one of the go-to organisations for those seeking to enter or exit the security industry in Kenya. In the coming months, the business will be rolling out an even more comprehensive training program, with certified instructors teaching both cyber security and personal security courses.

Many cyber security businesses have popped up in Kenya in recent years, with established players such as Thawte, Safer Internet Society and Crypto Expert all stepping up to the plate to provide the sector with guidance and education.

With an increasing demand for personal security, ICT Shop's success will be determined by its ability to ensure that its clients have everything they need to feel confident and protected in their daily lives. The company's head of business development, David Musa, stresses the importance of its customer-focus: "Our aim is to ensure that our clients feel that they can trust us, and that we have everything they need to provide total security for their businesses. We want to turn a niche sector into a full-blown career, with the security industry in Kenya becoming a prime destination for expats seeking to make the switch."

As part of its growth strategy, ICT Shop has established itself as a one-stop-shop for security-related products, with its website hosting an impenetrable shopping cart, and its mobile app offering an ideal one-stop-shop for all personal security needs.

ICT Shop's success in establishing a unique niche is being touted by international publications as proof that the Kenyan economy is effectively creating its own internet industry. Not only is the country a hub for tech-related businesses, but it's also a nation of idealists who often see the internet, and new technology, as a means to improve society for the better.

As Kenya seeks to climb out of its economy of empire stage, the country's cyber security sector is set to play a crucial role in establishing itself as a world-class hub for technology and the internet industry.