In a significant move to sharpen Kenya’s digital edge, Huawei has officially launched the Regional Final Bootcamp for its 2025/2026 ICT Competition. The intensive training program brings together 21 of the brightest students in the country, narrowed down from a massive pool of nearly 3,000 applicants representing various universities and technical institutions.
The selection process was nothing short of rigorous, highlighting talent from renowned institutions like the University of Nairobi, JKUAT, and Moi University. In a historic first, the PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute secured a spot on the list, marking a major breakthrough for TVET institutions in high-level technology contests. This shift underscores a growing recognition that technical vocational students are just as capable of competing at a global standard as their university counterparts.
Information reaching Reports indicates that this bootcamp is a key part of a broader three-year partnership between Huawei and Kenya’s State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training. Through a recently signed memorandum, the goal is to set up 150 ICT Academies across the country. These hubs will focus on high-demand fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, aiming to certify 1,000 students and train 150 instructors every single year.
During the launch, Lucy Anampiu, the Principal of PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements. She noted that their success proves that with the right platform, talent from all educational backgrounds can excel. Michael Kamau, the manager of the Huawei ICT Academy, added that the competition serves as a vital bridge between the classroom and the workplace, providing students with the hands-on skills that modern employers are looking for.
The cohort is diverse, not just in background but in expertise, with tracks covering Network, Cloud, and Innovation. Notably, women make up a third of the finalists, reflecting a positive trend toward gender balance in a traditionally male-dominated field. Beyond the training, the stakes are high; top performers will join a regional pool of 62 teams from across 15 countries, with the ultimate goal of representing Kenya at the Global Final in China in June 2026.
The benefits extend well beyond the competition itself. Students are already being integrated into career pathways, with many being invited to join Huawei’s graduate training program this July. By fostering this blend of academic learning and industry experience, the initiative is effectively building a sustainable pipeline of talent that will drive Kenya’s digital transformation for years to come.
