By Eddah Waithaka
More than 60 Chinese and Kenyan enterprises gathered at the University of Nairobi today for the Huawei LEAP Job Fair, offering over 1,700 job opportunities to Kenyan youth and reinforcing the growing economic partnership between the two nations.
Under the theme “Unlocking Potential, Building Connections,” the event brought together government officials, corporate leaders, and education stakeholders to address youth unemployment, digital skills gaps, and industrial growth.
Chinese Firms Commit to Local Talent Development
Mr. Yu Xiaodong, President of the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) and General Manager of China Road and Bridge Corporation (Kenya), highlighted the impact of Chinese investments in Kenya.
“This fair proves our partnership goes beyond infrastructure, it’s about people,” he said. “From the SGR to the Nairobi Expressway, Chinese firms have created thousands of jobs. Huawei trains 6,000 students yearly, while KEDA Ceramics supports over 50,000 jobs.”
KCETA, representing 104 member companies, pledged to expand skills programs and align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals.
Nation Media Group Backs Youth Empowerment
Geoffrey Odundo, CEO of Nation Media Group, emphasized the media’s role in driving economic change.
“We don’t just report news, we act,” Odundo said. “By co-hosting this fair, we are helping bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring youth seize digital opportunities.”
Deputy President Kindiki, “Kenya Must Become Africa’s Talent Hub”
In his keynote address, Deputy President Hon. Prof. Kithure Kindiki urged businesses to prioritize local talent and innovation.
“Our government supports partnerships that equip youth with future-proof skills,” he said. “Initiatives like this align with our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).”
Huawei’s Pledges 100,000 Youth to be trained by 2026
Mr. Gavin Gao, CEO of Huawei Kenya, outlined the tech giant’s commitment through its LEAP Program (Learn, Engage, Accelerate, Progress).
“We are training youth in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity,” Gao said. “Our Management Trainee Program has already hired 133 graduates, and we are expanding partnerships with 50+ universities and TVETs.”
Chinese Ambassador Hails People-Centered Partnership
H.E. Ms. Guo Haiyan, China’s Ambassador to Kenya, celebrated 60 years of bilateral ties, noting Chinese firms employ over 60,000 Kenyans and invest in healthcare, education, and green projects.
“Today isn’t just about jobs, it’s about building futures,” she said. “I urge every young Kenyan here to seize this moment.”
Huawei announced plans to scale its ICT Academies and collaborate with Kenya’s Digital Superhighway initiative.
“The future doesn’t just happen, you build it,” said Huawei’s Gao. “And we’re here to ensure Kenyan youth lead that charge.”
China-Kenya trade hit $6.8 billion in 2023, with investments deepening in infrastructure, tech, and manufacturing.
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