Kenya’s State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (SDTVET) has officially entered a strategic partnership with global technology company Huawei to bolster ICT talent development across the country. Signed on April 5, 2025, during the Huawei ICT Competition Award Ceremony in South Africa, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines a comprehensive three-year plan (2025–2028) aimed at equipping thousands of Kenyan youth with digital skills critical for the future of work.
The announcement comes at a critical moment. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), over 70% of Kenyan youth currently lack the digital competencies required in today’s tech-driven economy. This presents a major challenge for national growth, particularly as Kenya races toward realizing its Vision 2030 digital transformation goals.
Why This Matters: Digital Skills Gap Threatens Kenya’s Economic Potential
Globally, the need for reskilling is urgent. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 notes that almost half of the global workforce will require retraining by the end of 2025, with the highest demand being in areas like data analysis, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
In Kenya, the digital divide is not just about access to devices or the internet — it’s also about access to opportunity. Many rural and under-resourced communities are left behind due to a lack of local institutions offering relevant, up-to-date digital training. That’s where TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions come in, and where the Huawei-SDTVET partnership seeks to make the biggest difference.
Key Components of the Huawei–Kenya TVET Partnership
Under the new initiative, Huawei will:
- Establish 150 Huawei ICT Academies across selected Kenyan TVET institutions.
- Certify 1,000 students annually through the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) program.
- Train 150 instructors each year through the Huawei “Training-the-Trainer” initiative.
- Organize yearly ICT competitions, job fairs, and career development workshops to link students with industry opportunities and real-world experience.
SDTVET, on the other hand, will:
- Identify and recommend qualified TVET institutions to host these ICT Academies.
- Officially recognize Huawei’s Certified Instructor Certificate (HCAI) as a standard for ICT teaching in Kenya.
- Promote Huawei’s certification and training programs through nationwide campaigns.
- Align all collaborative programs with Kenya’s national skills development strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability.
A Strategic Push for Industry-Ready Talent
Principal Secretary for SDTVET, Dr. Esther Muoria, emphasized the importance of aligning education with market demands.
“This collaboration with Huawei is a vital step in equipping Kenyan youth with the digital skills required to succeed in the global economy,” she said. “By integrating industry-driven training into our TVET system, we are narrowing the skills gap and opening doors to rewarding careers in Kenya’s expanding ICT sector.”
Xu Yongbo, Director of Huawei Southern Africa, reinforced the company’s commitment:
“Huawei is honored to partner with Kenya in shaping the future of its ICT workforce. By leveraging our technological expertise alongside SDTVET’s educational framework, we are creating a skilled workforce that will drive innovation and contribute to Kenya’s Vision 2030.”
Long-Term Impact: Strengthening Kenya’s Digital Future
This initiative is not just about certifications or job placements — it is a strategic investment in Kenya’s digital economy. With the tech industry becoming a key driver of job creation, economic resilience, and innovation across Africa, building a robust ICT talent pipeline is essential.
By expanding access to high-quality digital education, especially in underserved areas, Kenya positions itself as a regional hub for digital skills development, enhancing its competitiveness in both local and international markets.
The three-year timeline ensures that impact is both measurable and scalable. The involvement of Huawei also guarantees access to global best practices and exposure to emerging technologies that are shaping future industries.
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