The Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 officially launched today with its first roadshow event at the University of Nairobi, attracting over 250 students. The event highlighted the growing interest in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education and innovation among Kenyan students, setting the stage for one of the largest student-focused ICT competitions in the country.
The roadshow featured prominent speakers from academia and industry, including Mr. Paul Kariuki, Director of the ICT Center at the University of Nairobi, Mr. Michael Kamau, Head of Huawei ICT Academy in Kenya, and Eng. Maureen Mwaniki, Director of Public Affairs at Huawei Kenya. All speakers emphasized the critical role of ICT in Kenya’s future, and how competitions like this are driving technological innovation and equipping the next generation of ICT professionals with the necessary skills.
“This competition is an opportunity for students to enhance their skills and explore the latest developments in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and networks,” said Mr. Paul Kariuki. “Our collaboration with Huawei will continue to provide world-class training and support to prepare students for the digital future.”
Mr. Michael Kamau encouraged students to fully engage with Huawei’s ICT Academy programs and take part in the competition. “We are excited to see more students participating and preparing themselves to contribute to Kenya’s digital transformation,” he said. Kamau pointed out that students who pursue Huawei certifications and gain hands-on experience through the competition will be well-positioned for career growth in the rapidly evolving ICT landscape.
The Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 will tour several other top universities in Kenya, including Zetech University, Kenyatta University, Multimedia University, Embu University, and Dedan Kimathi University, between October 18 and October 25, 2024. Organizers are expecting over 7,000 participants, making it a significant platform for advancing ICT skills across the nation.
The competition offers various tracks for students to participate in, including Network, Cloud, Computing, and AI Innovation. Through these categories, students will have the chance to work with cutting-edge Huawei technologies and tools, deepening their knowledge and practical experience.
The national finals are slated to take place in early December 2024, with the regional and global finals scheduled for February and May 2025 respectively. The event promises to be a critical avenue for aspiring ICT professionals in Kenya, offering a launchpad into both local and international technology careers.
Eng. Maureen Mwaniki added, “We are committed to nurturing ICT talent in Kenya, and this competition exemplifies our dedication to driving innovation and providing the next generation of leaders with opportunities to excel in a technology-driven world.”
As Kenya continues its push towards becoming a digital economy, initiatives such as the Huawei ICT Competition are seen as key to building the talent pipeline necessary to support this transformation.
