Kenya’s digital economy is booming. Mobile money moves billions daily, fintechs are sprouting like mushrooms, and nearly every sector, from banking to healthcare, now relies on connected systems. But behind the screens that keep this digital engine running is a silent, underpaid workforce: the cybersecurity officers.
Guardians of a Billion-Shilling Economy
These professionals protect critical networks from hackers who grow smarter every day. They detect threats before they cripple banks, defend hospitals from ransomware, and secure government data from global cybercriminals. A single breach can cost millions and shatter public trust. Yet many of these experts earn less than a mid-level sales rep.
Why the Pay Gap Exists
- Talent Drain: Skilled cyber pros are snapped up by international firms that pay in dollars. Local companies try to “save costs,” forgetting that weak security eventually costs far more.
- Misunderstood Roles: Some executives still view cybersecurity as an IT side job rather than a core business function. They budget for shiny software but not for the people who make it work.
- Shortage of Specialists: Training is expensive, and Kenya hasn’t yet produced enough specialists to meet soaring demand, giving employers leverage to underpay.
The Hidden Costs of Underpaying
Underpayment doesn’t just hurt professionals—it hurts everyone. Demotivated teams mean slower incident response and weaker defences. High turnover leaves gaps that hackers can exploit. Each shilling “saved” on salaries risks millions in potential losses.
What Needs to Change
- Competitive Pay Scales: Treat cybersecurity as a boardroom priority, not a budget afterthought.
- Upskilling and Retention: Invest in continuous training and certifications, then invest in retaining talent in-house.
- Policy Pressure: Regulators like the Central Bank of Kenya are already mandating stricter cyber rules. They could also encourage fair compensation to strengthen sector resilience.
A Call to Action
Kenya’s digital future depends on the quiet professionals who keep our systems safe. As cybercrime grows more sophisticated, banks alone lost over Sh1.5 billion to hackers last year, paying cybersecurity officers what they’re worth isn’t generosity. It’s survival.
If you run a company, the message is simple: Pay your cyber team like your business depends on it, because it does.