Kenya’s Young Tech Talent in Focus as Huawei ICT Competition Marks 10 Years

Kenya’s technology sector was given an additional boost today with the launch of the 10th iteration of the Huawei ICT Competition, a program meant to hone the skills of young people in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Networking, and other fast-growing technologies.

The competition, which is open and held internationally in partnership with UNESCO’s Institute for Information Technologies in Education, has its eyes set on doubling the entries this year from 6,000 students to 12,000.

Registration is already ongoing, giving ICT students all over the country a chance to sign up.

Winners at the national level proceed to regional and global finals.

In the process, participants can also receive industry-standard certifications, and past winners have been awarded cash prizes, gadgets, and placements. 

National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses F. M. Wetang’ula, who officially inaugurated the program, appreciated the competition for ten years of giving Kenya a taste of technology.

“In a world rapidly transformed by artificial intelligence, I urge our young people and the young at heart to embrace AI skills, for opportunities abound for those with the capacity, competence, and creativity to seize them.”

He also assured partners that Parliament would continue supporting policies that help ICT and innovation thrive.

“The Huawei ICT Competition Launch 2025/2026 is your gateway to being part of that bright future.”- Dr. A. Korir Sing’Oei, PS State Department for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs

TVET Principal Secretary at the State Department for Dr. Esther Muoria referred to the initiative as what is possible through public–private partnerships.”.

“Huawei ICT Competition has become an important platform for the identification, growth, and exposure of best ICT talent in our TVET institutions,” she added. “We are all shaping Kenya’s future innovators and tech champions.”

She highlighted a record number of women participating, mentioning all-female teams winning last year’s global finals as proof that the gender gap in technology is slowly narrowing.

The need for digital skills comes at a critical juncture.

With an estimated 40% of jobs likely to be automated, the World Bank has warned of a growing mismatch between what young people are taught and the skills the job market demands

Since it first landed in Kenya in 2018, the Huawei ICT Competition conducted under the Huawei ICT Academy has touched the lives of more than 12,000 students via more than 60 partner institutions. 

Practical training is offered in AI, cloud computing, networking, and cybersecurity, bridging the gap between bookroom learning and real needs.

Michael Kamau, Huawei Kenya’s ICT Academy Program Manager, said the competition is expanding beyond major towns.

“By moving into TVET institutions and underserved regions, Huawei is ensuring no student is left behind in Kenya’s digital transformation,” he said.

This year, a new agreement with the State Department for TVET will see training extended to 150 institutions annually.

Khadija Ahmed Mohammed, Huawei Kenya’s Media Director for Public Affairs and Communication, called on more students  especially women  to take part.

“This competition gives young people a global stage to test their skills against the best from over 70 countries. We want our students to embrace STEM, seize this chance, and lead on the world stage,” she said.

Now in its 10th year, the Huawei ICT Competition has become a launchpad for Kenyan youth eager to make their mark in the digital economy.

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