By Eddah Waithaka
Kenya is taking bold steps to fast-track its digital future as Huawei today launched the 10th Edition of the Huawei ICT Competition a global skills-building platform in AI, Cloud Computing, and Networking.
The 2025/2026 edition, backed by UNESCO’s Institute for Information Technologies in Education, aims to double participation from 6,000 to 12,000 students, offering Kenyan youth a pathway to tech excellence.
Registrations are now open online https://bit.ly/SAR2025_2026. National winners will advance to regional and global finals, earning industry-recognized certifications, cash prizes, gadgets, and internships. Past participants have leveraged the competition to launch successful tech careers.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, officially opened the event, urging Kenyan youth to embrace AI and digital skills to stay competitive.
“This competition unlocks remarkable opportunities in tech and innovation. The National Assembly will continue supporting policies that drive ICT growth,” he said.
Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary for TVET, praised the public-private partnership, noting its role in bridging the skills gap.
“Huawei’s ICT Competition is shaping Kenya’s next generation of tech leaders. With rising female participation, including all-girl winning teams, we’re closing the gender gap in STEM,” she said.
This initiative matters because automation threatens 40% of jobs, making upskilling critical. Kenya’s National AI Strategy (2025–2030) aims to establish the country as Africa’s AI leader, and this competition directly supports that goal.
Huawei’s ICT Academy has already equipped over 12,000 Kenyan students with digital skills across 60+ institutions, and a new MoU will expand training to 150 TVET colleges annually ensuring broader access to future-proof skills.”
“We are ensuring no student is left behind, whether in cities or marginalized regions,”* said Michael Kamau, Huawei Kenya’s ICT Academy Manager.
“Through hands-on labs, boot camps, and global certifications, we’re turning potential into employable skills.”
Since 2018, the competition has grown into a global tech talent showcase, spanning 85 countries and engaging 950,000+ students.
Khadija Ahmed Mohammed, Huawei Kenya’s Media Director, called for more youth, especially girls to join, “This is your chance to compete globally, gain cutting-edge skills, and lead Kenya’s digital revolution.”
Interested students can register now, through https://bit.ly/SAR2025_2026, will you be Kenya’s next tech champion?
