Africa doesn't lack cyber talent.It lacks the engine.

After 13+ years in banking, I was transitioning into cybersecurity — excited, but overwhelmed, with no clear path. The structure and guidance I found turned “trying to understand cybersecurity” into actively building skills, step by step. Today I hold the Google Cybersecurity, CC, Security+ and CySA+ certifications, I'm growing in SOC and blue-team security, and I run CyberUp Daily.

I started as a junior analyst, hoping for a mentor who could guide both my technical skills and my career. Martin walked me through the intricacies of cybersecurity with patience, tracked my progress, and pushed me beyond my limits. Today I'm in a senior security role — and I genuinely call him my cybersecurity G.O.A.T.

I was eager to “sell my skills” fast. Martin challenged that early — pursue real experience, build strong foundations, create long-term value. That mindset shift changed my trajectory. Today I'm a SOC analyst with a leading bank in Kenya and partner with financial institutions on cyber resilience.

Transitioning into tech, I was overwhelmed by the vastness of the field. As my mentor, Martin demystified cybersecurity and gave me the exact guidance to build a solid foundation. I went from wanting to understand the field to formally pursuing my degree in cybersecurity and an active security career.

I was at a crossroads in my career and business. Martin's mentorship — and his regular check-ins keeping me accountable — gave us new direction as an organisation, forging forward in the age of AI. A top-level, high-value individual who gives of his time and knowledge.