Safaricom Kenya offers standout career pathways in cybersecurity through its structured graduate and internship programs, including the Discover Graduate Programme and cybersecurity-focused internship and specialist tracks. These programs are designed to attract high-potential graduates into roles in cyber defense, risk management, architecture, governance, or incident response. In this in-depth guide, we walk through eligibility, preparation, application stages, assessment, tips for success, and what to expect if accepted.
Understanding Programme Options
Safaricom provides multiple entry points for early-career professionals interested in cybersecurity:
The Discover Graduate Programme is a structured pre‑entry accelerated development pathway for fresh graduates. It includes cross‑functional rotations, mentorship, leadership training, and potential placement within cybersecurity teams in its technology division. Ideal candidates are university graduates within one year of graduation looking to fast‑track their careers in tech.
Safaricom also offers cybersecurity internships for both current students (industrial attachment) and recent graduates via six-month internships. These opportunities place interns in roles supporting cyber operations, incident analysis, risk assessments, and architecture support within Safaricom’s cyber teams. Internship intakes typically run during specific periods (e.g. April or October intake for graduate interns).
In addition, Safaricom’s Evergreen application listing offers specialist roles in areas such as Cloud Security, Governance, Risk & Compliance, Architecture, Defense, and Prevent. While these are not graduate‑only tracks, they are open to recent graduates with relevant certifications and experience, and represent permanent entry points into Safaricom’s cybersecurity talent pipeline.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by programme:
- For the Discover Graduate Programme applicants must hold a university degree, ideally with strong academic performance, and have graduated within the last 12 months.
- For the cybersecurity internships, Kenyan citizens or residents enrolled in university programmes or who graduated in the last 48 months are eligible, depending on placement type.
- Evergreen specialist roles require degree-level education in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or related fields, alongside relevant professional certifications (such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, CEH, Security+ or cloud security certificates as applicable) and demonstrable interest or experience in cybersecurity.
Applicants also typically need to meet Kenyan employment compliance: valid national ID, KRA PIN, bank details, NHIF/NSSF records, and good conduct certificates. Foreign nationals must satisfy additional eligibility requirements for working in Kenya.
Application Preparation: Documents and Credentials
Preparation is key. Gather all required documents before starting your application:
• An up-to-date CV emphasizing academic background, technical skills, projects, internships, and extracurricular involvement in cybersecurity. Highlight experience with incident response labs, penetration testing challenges, or network security competitions.
• Degree certificates or transcript for graduates; attestation letters or student status confirmation for current students.
• Professional certifications or proof of progress toward CEH, Security+, CISSP, or cloud security credentials often strengthen candidacy.
• Proactive involvement in security communities or platforms (hacking clubs, online labs, CTF challenges) adds credibility.
• Personal identity documentation and regulatory credentials (ID, KRA PIN, NHIF, CRB, bank account info) for payroll and compliance checks.
How to Apply: Step‑by‑Step Process
- Create an account on Safaricom’s official careers portal via their website or Oracle-based application system.
- Choose the correct pathway: select either the “Discover Graduate Programme” or “Cyber Security and Technology Internship” depending on your status and interest. For specialist roles, look for the Evergreen listings.
- Complete the application in one session: upload your CV, supporting documents, and answer all required questions. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
- Submit before the specified deadlines: internship applications usually open in defined intake periods; the Discover Programme has its own annual application window; Evergreen listings accept continuous applications.
- Monitor your email for confirmation and communications—Safaricom typically updates shortlisted candidates through email and portal messages.
Assessment and Selection Process
Applications proceed through multiple evaluation stages:
• Shortlisting based on academic merit, alignment to cybersecurity skills, and certifications.
• Technical assessment or online test assessing foundational cybersecurity knowledge, incident response reasoning, or risk evaluation.
• Psychometric assessment measuring problem-solving approach, behavioral traits, and alignment with company values—especially common in Discover Programme selection.
• Virtual assessment center or group exercises: for Discover candidates, this may include case studies, group discussions, and task-based evaluations aligned to cybersecurity operations or governance.
• Interviews: candidates may face technical interviews with cyber team leads followed by HR interviews focusing on motivation, competencies, and cultural fit.
For Evergreen specialist roles, Safaricom operates rolling shortlisting and may contact suitable applicants for interviews and further vetting over time.
Advice to Make Your Application Stand Out
To maximize your chances:
• Craft your application (CV, cover letter, responses) with specific focus on cybersecurity: emphasize labs, projects, or events tied to security.
• Mention any cybersecurity certifications or coursework—even if in progress.
• Quantify outcomes (e.g. vulnerabilities discovered, tools developed, teams led).
• Show alignment with Safaricom’s mission, particularly by referencing its digital transformation initiatives, mobile technology services, and commitment to security.
• Demonstrate continuous learning by participating in CTFs, online labs (e.g. TryHackMe, Hack The Box), community initiatives, or security-focused university clubs.
• Practice mock interviews and case scenarios in cyber contexts to prepare for assessments.
What Happens After Submission
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email. Shortlisted candidates progress to assessments and interviews over subsequent weeks. For Evergreen applicants, you may remain in the talent pool and be contacted when relevant roles open. If selected, onboarding involves verification of documents, background checks, induction training, and assignment to a placement or team within cybersecurity infrastructure.
Benefits of Joining Safaricom’s Cybersecurity Programmes
Successful candidates gain:
• Exposure to real-world cybersecurity operations and incident response workflows.
• Access to structured mentorship and cross-functional learning opportunities.
• Networking with seasoned security professionals within Safaricom and Vodafone Group.
• Potential seamless transition to full-time cybersecurity roles based on performance.
• Exposure to digital innovation and secure fintech environments in East Africa.
Additional Considerations
• Apply early within each intake window spaces fill quickly and late submissions are rarely accepted.
• Do not pay for any stage of the application Safaricom does not charge fees for application or assessment. Beware of scams requesting payment.
• Adopt a learning mindset: cybersecurity evolves rapidly; continuing personal development strengthens candidacy even if applied previously.
Kenya’s Cybersecurity Ecosystem Context
Kenya is rapidly strengthening its digital ecosystem via policies such as the Data Protection Act of 2019 and the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022–2027. As a leading telecom and fintech provider powering M‑Pesa infrastructure regionally, Safaricom plays a central role in ensuring critical financial, digital, and mobile services are protected. Joining their programmes places candidates at the heart of securing East Africa’s most critical digital infrastructure.
Conclusion
Safaricom Kenya offers robust, structured entry routes into cybersecurity careers through its Discover Graduate Programme, internship placements, and Evergreen specialist pipeline. To prepare successfully, ensure you meet eligibility requirements, build a tailored CV and application centered on cybersecurity skills and experiences, complete the online application properly and on time, and engage actively with technical and behavioral assessments. Demonstrating proactivity through certifications, community engagement, and security projects can make your application stand out. If accepted, you will join a fast-paced learning environment with mentorship, real-world impact, and opportunities for full-time roles. For more details and the latest updates on application timelines, requirements, and cybersecurity practice areas, visit the official careers portal at Safaricom Careers Portal, which remains the sole link for the most accurate and updated information.