Huawei ICT Competition 2025-2026 Regional Final Bootcamp Training Kicks Off in Kenya

Huawei has officially kicked off the Huawei ICT Competition 2025/2026 Regional Final Bootcamp Training, bringing together 21 exceptional students selected from nearly 3,000 applicants from universities and TVET institutions across Kenya.

The rigorous national selection process identified top-performing students from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), University of Nairobi (UoN), Africa Nazarene University (ANU), Multimedia University (MMU), Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Moi University, Machakos University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and for the first time ever, a team from PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute a significant milestone for TVET participation in advanced ICT competitions.

In 2025, Kenya’s State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (SDTVET) partnered with Huawei in a three-year collaboration (2025–2028) to advance digital skills development. Formalized through an MoU signed at the 2025 Southern Africa Region Huawei ICT Competition Award Ceremony; the partnership aims to equip Kenya’s workforce with future-ready ICT skills and support national digital transformation.

Under the agreement, Huawei will establish 150 ICT Academies in TVET institutions, offering training in networking, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The program will certify 1,000 students annually at HCIA level, train 150 instructors each year, and support ICT competitions, job fairs, and industry linkages. On the other hand, SDTVET will identify host institutions, promote Huawei certification nationwide, recognize the Huawei Certified Instructor Certificate, and support talent development initiatives in line with Kenya’s national skills strategy.

This year’s bootcamp was officiated by the Principal of PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, who applauded the students for their achievement and encouraged them to maximize the opportunity.

“Being selected among thousands of applicants is a remarkable achievement. This competition proves that TVET students can compete at the highest level globally, and we are proud to see PC Kinyanjui represented for the first time,” said Ms. Lucy Anampiu the Principal of PC Kinyanjui.

During the opening session, Mr. Michael Kamau the Huawei ICT Academy Manager provided detailed guidance on the structure of the Regional Final, competition timelines, performance expectations, and the level of discipline and teamwork required to succeed.

“The Huawei ICT Competition is designed to bridge academia and industry by equipping students with practical, in-demand ICT skills. This bootcamp prepares you not just to compete, but to excel regionally and globally,” said the Huawei ICT Academy Manager.

The competition is structured around four core technology tracks: Network, Cloud & AI, Computing, and Innovation. Of the 21 students selected, three are from the TVET category (PC Kinyanjui), while 18 are from universities. Female students account for one-third of the cohort, drawn from PC Kinyanjui (1), Cooperative University of Kenya (1), JKUAT (4), and the University of Nairobi (1).

These tracks reflect current and emerging industry needs and form part of Huawei’s broader commitment to developing future-ready digital talent. Reflecting on the opportunity, Stephen, a student from JKUAT and one of the top students in the Network Track, said:

“Being part of this bootcamp is an incredible experience. I’ve learned so much in just one day, and the guidance from Huawei experts makes me confident that I can compete at the regional and even global level. This is a real step toward my career in ICT.”

The bootcamp also featured strong industry engagement, with Mr. Mathew Kiptoo, Hiring Manager at Huawei Technologies Kenya, addressing the students and highlighting career opportunities within Huawei. He formally invited eligible participants to apply for the Huawei Graduate Program Training scheduled for July.

“We are not only looking for technical skills, but also attitude, innovation, and willingness to learn. This competition is a direct talent pipeline, and we encourage you to take the next step by joining our graduate training program,” said Kiptoo.

Through participation in the bootcamp and competition, students gain: Advanced hands-on technical training and mentorship, Exposure to global, ICT standards and certifications, Career guidance and recruitment opportunities, Regional and international visibility and a pathway to global competition and professional growth.

Top-performing teams from the Regional Final, competing against over 62 teams from 15 countries, will earn the opportunity to advance to the Global Final in China later in June 2026, where they will represent the region on the world stage.

“Reaching the Global Final in China places students among the best ICT talent worldwide and opens doors to global exposure, innovation, and collaboration,” the Huawei ICT Academy Manager added.

The Huawei ICT Competition continues to serve as a flagship platform for talent development, industry-academia collaboration, and digital skills advancement, supporting Kenya’s and the region’s broader digital transformation agenda.

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