Huawei ICT Academy Targets Record 12,000 Students as 2025/2026 ICT Competition Recruitment Continues

Huawei ICT Academy recently took a tour of Strathmore University, continuing its mission to inspire and equip young Kenyans with globally competitive digital skills. The nationwide campaign began earlier this week at PC Kinyanjui Institute on Tuesday, September 9th, before moving to Kenyatta University on Wednesday, September 10th, where strong student participation and leadership support underscored the program’s impact. Through these campus activations, Huawei aims to double participation in the 2025/26 ICT Competition to a record 12,000 students.

The 2025/2026 edition of the Huawei ICT Competition provides Kenyan youth with more opportunities than ever before to sharpen their skills, access global-standard training, and showcase their abilities on the national, regional, and global stages. Registration will run from September to November, with the National Final set for December 2025, followed by the Regional Final in South Africa in February 2026 and the Global Final in China in May 2026.

Launched in Kenya in 2018, the Huawei ICT Competition has already empowered over 12,000 Kenyan students, offering them technical mentorship, global exposure, and valuable industry skills. Internationally, the competition spans 85 countries, reaching over 950,000 students across multiple ICT domains.

The nationwide campaign was officially launched at PC Kinyanjui Institute on Tuesday, September 9th, with more than 150 students participating at the Jitume Lab. Welcomed by Mrs. Ruth Muia, Deputy Principal (Administration), the event marked the start of a mentorship program designed to extend to universities and TVET institutions across the country.

Mrs. Muia commended the collaboration, noting: “We appreciate Huawei for bringing such opportunities to our students. The ICT Competition will sharpen their technical skills, boost global exposure, and prepare them for careers in technology.”

Mr. Michael Kamau, Huawei ICT Academy Manager, said: “Seeing the enthusiasm at PC Kinyanjui Institute is proof that Kenya’s young people are ready to embrace the digital future. With this year’s competition, we aim to double participation and give even more students access to world-class training and opportunities.”

On Wednesday, September 10th, the ICT Academy team held its second campus activation at Kenyatta University, where students were encouraged to seize the chance to learn and compete.

Prof. Wanjohi Wa Chege, Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University, said: “The Huawei ICT Competition is a key  catalyst in developing ICT talent in Kenya, aligning with evolving market needs and global trends. I encourage our students to enroll and participate wholeheartedly—not just with the goal of winning locally, regionally, or globally, but with the aim of applying the knowledge gained to create real, practical solutions for society’s most pressing challenges. This competition offers a learning journey that extends far beyond the classroom, equipping students with the vital skills needed to address the challenges and harness the opportunities of the digital economy.”

Cherrys Otieno, an ICT Student at Kenyatta University, added, “I love travelling, and I’m inspired by the opportunities the Huawei ICT Competition presents to visit South Africa and China. More than that, I’m excited about the internships, trainings, and certifications that Huawei is offering to global winners. As I register for the 2025/26 edition, I feel very motivated and optimistic about the doors this competition will open for my future.” 

Competition Tracks & Opportunities

This year’s competition is organized around four tracks:

• Networking Track – network infrastructure, data communications, and cybersecurity.
• Cloud Track – Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud computing.
• Computing Track – software, operating systems, and Linux.
• Innovation Track – creative solutions using AI and cloud technologies to solve real-world issues in health, finance, and agriculture.

Participation is free of charge and open exclusively to students currently enrolled in universities, colleges, or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya.

The competition builds on the landmark Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025 between Huawei and the State Department for TVET (SDTVET). Under the 3-year partnership, Huawei will establish 150 ICT Academies in Kenyan TVET institutions, offering industry-aligned training in networking, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Each year, the company will certify 1,000 students at the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA) level and train 150 TVET instructors through its Training-The-Trainer program. Huawei will also organize annual ICT competitions, job fairs, and workshops to connect students with employment opportunities and foster stronger industry-academia collaboration.

On its part, SDTVET will select and recommend TVET institutions to host Huawei ICT Academies, promote Huawei’s certification programs nationwide, and formally recognize the Huawei Certified Instructor Certificate (HCAI) as a benchmark for ICT teaching standards. The ministry will also support Huawei’s talent development initiatives, including job fairs and competitions, ensuring alignment with Kenya’s national skills development agenda.

Eng. Maureen Mwaniki, Public Affairs Director and Head of Women in Tech at Huawei, added: “It is inspiring to see such energy and determination among students, and we encourage more young women to take part in this competition and step into leadership roles in technology.”

Following today’s Strathmore University visit, the Huawei ICT Academy will continue the enrollment campaign s across universities and TVETs as outlined below:

Application for the Huawei ICT Competition can be done HERE

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