Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya has launched the tenth edition of the Huawei ICT Competition, a nationwide contest aimed at equipping tertiary students with the technical skills needed for the digital age. The 2025–26 competition will attract more than 10,000 participants from universities and colleges across the country, making it the largest cohort since the programme began. The launch ceremony in Nairobi was attended by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, senior officials from the Ministry of ICT and executives from Huawei.

Wetang’ula lauded Huawei for investing in Kenya’s youth, noting that access to training in network engineering, cloud computing and artificial intelligence is critical for building a knowledge‑based economy. He encouraged students to take advantage of the competition’s three tracks – Network, Cloud, and Computing & Innovation – which include online courses, mentorship, and opportunities to participate in regional and global finals. Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy Edward Kisiang’ani said the programme aligns with the government’s agenda of creating digital jobs and promoting local solutions to local problems.

Huawei Kenya chief executive Chen Mingliang highlighted that graduates of previous competitions have gone on to secure jobs in Kenya’s tech sector and even overseas. He said the 2025–26 edition will introduce new modules on cyber security and emerging technologies, reflecting the rapid evolution of the ICT landscape. Winners will receive internships, scholarships and exposure to Huawei’s research facilities in China.

Education experts have praised the competition for narrowing the skills gap between academia and industry. By partnering with universities, Huawei ensures that curricula incorporate practical components and that students graduate with certifications that are recognised by employers. The event also fosters innovation, with teams developing solutions that address real‑world challenges such as climate monitoring, healthcare delivery and e‑commerce.

As Kenya positions itself as an East African tech hub, policymakers say programmes like the Huawei ICT Competition are vital to nurturing home‑grown talent and reducing reliance on imported expertise. The government has pledged to support the initiative through grants and by rolling out high‑speed internet to more campuses, enabling participants to access online training resources.