Huawei ICT Academy is strengthening its mission to inspire and empower Kenyan youth with globally competitive digital skills through a nationwide campaign across leading universities and TVET institutions. The latest stop was Strathmore University, following successful activations earlier in the week at PC Kinyanjui Institute and Kenyatta University. With strong student engagement and institutional support, the campaign underscores Huawei’s goal of doubling participation in the 2025/26 ICT Competition to a record 12,000 students.
The Huawei ICT Competition has become a transformative platform since its launch in Kenya in 2018, empowering over 12,000 students with technical mentorship, global exposure, and industry-relevant skills. The competition, part of a global initiative spanning 85 countries and reaching over 950,000 students, enables Kenyan participants to access global-standard training and opportunities to showcase their expertise on national, regional, and international stages. For the 2025/26 edition, registration runs from September to November, with the National Final set for December, the Regional Final in South Africa in February 2026, and the Global Final in China in May 2026.
The campaign officially launched at PC Kinyanjui Institute, where more than 150 students participated at the Jitume Lab. Supported by Mrs. Ruth Muia, Deputy Principal (Administration), the activation marked the start of a mentorship program extending to institutions nationwide. At Kenyatta University, Vice Chancellor Prof. Wanjohi Wa Chege emphasized that the competition is a catalyst for nurturing ICT talent aligned with market needs and global technology trends. He highlighted that beyond winning, students should focus on applying their knowledge to develop practical solutions for pressing societal challenges.
Students have also shared their excitement and ambitions through the program. For example, ICT student Cherrys Otieno from Kenyatta University expressed enthusiasm about opportunities to participate in global finals in South Africa and China while also valuing the internships, certifications, and trainings available to winners. Such testimonies underscore the competition’s role in inspiring students to pursue careers in technology and prepare for leadership in the digital economy.
This year’s competition offers four tracks: Networking, Cloud, Computing, and Innovation, providing participants with a holistic approach to ICT education. The initiative builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025 between Huawei and the State Department for TVET, through which Huawei will establish 150 ICT Academies in Kenya, certify 1,000 students annually at the HCIA level, and train 150 instructors each year. These efforts align with Kenya’s national agenda for skills development and industry readiness.
With continued visits planned across universities such as Africa Nazarene University, JKUAT, Dedan Kimathi University, Kabarak University, and the University of Nairobi, Huawei ICT Academy is ensuring that more students gain access to the program. By combining mentorship, certification, competitions, and direct industry linkages, Huawei reaffirms its commitment to shaping Kenya’s future ICT leaders and equipping young people with the skills to thrive in the digital economy.
