Kenyan ICT students excelled at the Huawei ICT Competition 2024-2025 Global Finals in Shenzhen, China. Several teams won top honours in important competition categories.
This accomplishment demonstrates Kenya’s quick development of digital skills and global innovation.
Kenyan ICT students dominate computing and network tracks
A team from Machakos University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) beat out competitors from dozens of nations to win the First Prize in the Computing track. Of the more than 6,000 Kenyan students who enrolled for the tournament, this team had exceptional performers Mark Omaiko and Ian Omwenga (Machakos University), as well as Esther Guichaiya and Ephraim Shikanga (JKUAT).
One team from JKUAT and Moi University won second place in the Cloud track, while another team from Machakos University, JKUAT, and the University of Nairobi won second place in the Network track. These victories highlight Kenya’s diverse range of ICT expertise.
Innovation shines with smart air quality monitoring system
The Silicon Savannah team from Egerton University earned the Third Prize in the Innovation track for their Smart Air Quality Monitoring System.
This project demonstrated how Kenyan students use ICT to solve real-world environmental challenges using AI and digital technology. The team, mentored by Patricia Gitonga from the University of Nairobi, impressed judges with its creativity and practical application.
During the awards ceremony on Saturday, 24th May 2025, Fikirini Jackobs, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, praised the teams: “Thank you, Huawei, for the opportunity, and Congratulations TEAM Kenya (Lecturers and students) for the resounding victory and more grace as we explore and nurture the expertise for the betterment of our beloved country.”
The competition drew participation from over 210,000 students and teachers worldwide, with entries from 48 countries. Ritchie Peng, Huawei’s Director of ICT Strategy & Business Development, emphasized the competition’s focus on cloud computing, big data, AI, and green development to inspire innovation addressing sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Kenya’s strong showing at the Huawei ICT Competition highlights the country’s emergence as a digital powerhouse in Africa. Universities and students demonstrated world-class skills in computing, networking, cloud technologies, and innovation.
The Kenyan delegation included key figures such as Ambassador Willy Bett to China and Huawei Kenya representatives, who supported the 12-member team competing in the finals.
This achievement showcases Kenya’s ICT prowess and highlights the nation’s expanding influence in developing technology-driven solutions globally.