Unpacking the Cybersecurity Skills Gap: Insights from Employers, Graduates and Faculty

Authors

Paula Musuva, United States International University Africa, Kenya

Francis Wambalaba, United States International University Africa, Kenya

Judy Ouma, United States International University Africa, Kenya

Published in

IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

DOI: https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.AXRD6473

Publisher

IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

Abstract

The global cybersecurity workforce faces a critical shortage of 4 million professionals, with only 25% being women. Organizations are struggling to find qualified talent. This study examines the cybersecurity skills gap in Kenya, focusing on the misalignment between expectations of employers in industry and academic training in universities. A comprehensive survey received responses from 289 graduates, 26 university faculty, and 24 employers looking to fill cybersecurity job roles in the industry. The data was then used to assess technical and soft skills gaps in the cybersecurity profession. Data analysis included employment status evaluation, priority ranking, and correlation analysis. The study reveals a 37% unemployment rate among cybersecurity graduates despite high industry demand for cybersecurity professionals. Significant misalignment exists between stakeholder priorities, with low employer-faculty correlation for technical skills and soft skills. Employers seek skills in 3 key areas: cybersecurity law, malware analysis, and report writing skills. Substantial gaps exist between academic training and these industry expectations. Strategic interventions including curriculum alignment, industry partnerships, and targeted skills development programs are essential to address the cybersecurity skills gap and workforce shortage while reducing youth unemployment.

Keywords

Cybersecurity, Youth, Employment, Skills Gap, Workforce Development, University, Industry Alignment

Cite this paper

P. Musuva, F. Wambalaba and J. Ouma (2026) "Unpacking the Cybersecurity Skills Gap: Insights from Employers, Graduates and Faculty", IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings, Miriam Cunningham and Paul Cunningham (Eds), IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, 2026, ISSN: 2576-8581, ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2, https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.AXRD6473

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