Kenya has once again demonstrated its growing prowess in the global technology arena, with 12 outstanding university students receiving national recognition for their exceptional performance at the Huawei ICT Competition Global Final 2024-2025. The achievements were celebrated in a special ceremony at Parliament Buildings, where Speaker of the National Assembly Rt. Hon. Moses Wetangula honoured the students who brought glory to the nation in Shenzhen, China.
Four Major International Awards Secured
The Kenyan delegation’s success was nothing short of remarkable, earning four prestigious awards across different technical tracks. The Computing Track saw a combined team from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Machakos University clinch the coveted First Prize, showcasing Kenya’s strength in computational problem-solving.
Two Second Prize victories further cemented Kenya’s position among global leaders in ICT education. The Network Track was dominated by a collaborative effort between Machakos University, JKUAT, and the University of Nairobi, while the Cloud Track saw another successful partnership between JKUAT and Moi University teams.
Egerton University’s “Silicon Savannah” team earned the Third Prize in the Innovation Track with their Smart Air Quality Monitoring System. This groundbreaking solution enables real-time environmental health data collection, contributing to the development of smarter cities and healthier communities across Kenya.
Breaking Barriers in Gender Inclusion
A particularly significant milestone was achieved in gender representation within STEM fields.Kenya proudly fielded an all-girls team that earned the prestigious Women in Technology Award, featuring Rukia Mwari (Telecommunication Engineering) and Banzy Nyaga (Mathematics and Computer Science) from JKUAT, alongside Beverlyne Ndombi and Ifrah Hussein, both Electrical and Communication Engineering students from Moi University.
This achievement reflects Kenya’s commitment to inclusive technology education and the growing participation of women in ICT careers. Stephen Zhang, Deputy CEO of Huawei Kenya, emphasized that these female finalists represent the future leaders of Kenya’s digital economy.
Speaker Challenges Students to Continue Excellence
During the recognition ceremony, Speaker Wetangula delivered an inspiring message to the young innovators. “Life is a continuous journey, and success is a constantly moving target. I warmly applaud our brilliant students for their resounding victory at the Huawei ICT Competition Global Final. However, I also challenge them not to relent. Let this achievement be a stepping stone,” he stated.
The Speaker urged the students to leverage emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things to create practical solutions that benefit Kenya, Africa, and the global community.
Student Perspectives on National Pride
Mark Omaiko, a second-year Cloud Computing and Information Security student at Machakos University, captured the sentiment of his fellow competitors. “This win is not for us individually, but for Kenya and all Kenyans. We are proud to have put Kenya on the global map as an ICT powerhouse, and we encourage fellow students to register and join similar programs in the future,” he reflected.
Strategic Partnership Driving Success
The success builds on Kenya’s expanding partnership with Huawei, which has significantly strengthened the country’s ICT education infrastructure. In April 2025, Huawei signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the State Department for TVET, establishing 150 Huawei ICT Academies across Kenya and training 1,000 students annually.
The University of Nairobi’s recent designation as one of Huawei’s three Excellent Global Talent Alliance Partners further solidifies Kenya’s reputation as a hub of digital innovation.
Impressive National Participation
The competition’s local impact has been substantial, with over 6,000 students from fifty partner universities and colleges participating in this year’s edition. Since the competition’s launch in Kenya, it has attracted over 12,000 applicants, with 50 students reaching global finals.
Steven Zhang highlighted the program’s significance in addressing the critical shortage of skilled ICT professionals. “Digital transformation is reshaping industries faster than ever, and the greatest challenge is the shortage of skilled ICT professionals. Through initiatives like this competition and our ICT Academy, we’re empowering the next generation of innovators,” he commented.
These achievements underscore Kenya’s readiness to compete and lead on the global digital frontier, positioning the country as a rising force in international technology competitions.
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